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commuter lounge Qwaqwa Campus
The new commuter lounge is designed to provide off-campus students with a comfortable and conducive environment for studying, socialising, and relaxation.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus recently celebrated a significant milestone with the preliminary opening of its new commuter lounge. This dedicated space is designed to provide off-campus students with a comfortable and conducive environment for study, socialising, and relaxation.

A diverse crowd gathered to witness the historic event, including university staff and students from the off-campus community.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Principal: Support Services, Teboho Manchu, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted the challenges previously faced by off-campus students who lacked adequate study spaces on campus. The new commuter lounge addresses this issue by offering a welcoming environment where students can connect, collaborate, and engage in intellectual discourse.

Quintin Koetaan, Senior Director: Housing and Residence Affairs, shared insights into the journey of bringing the lounge to fruition. He emphasised the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and expressed gratitude to Coke for its generous sponsorship through the Alumni Office. The lounge also features a laundry facility, a valuable addition for students residing off campus. “Sitting here today really gives me goosebumps, because it is a dream come true for quite a number of people. This student lounge reflects an identity of what it is to be a Kovsie. It reflects us as the university, which is underpinned by the principles of diversity and accessibility. We want to give every one of our students access to a facility they can feel proud of, a facility where intellectual engagement can happen outside of class. This is a dream in terms of Vision 130, which demands of us to create these kinds of spaces that allow for positive interaction to encourage academic success,” expounded Koetaan.

A member of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Potela Zimvo, expressed the SRC’s appreciation for the new facility. He emphasised that the commuter lounge symbolises the university's commitment to inclusivity and support for all students, regardless of their residence status. The lounge is expected to foster a strong sense of community among commuter students and provide a much-needed space for social interaction and academic engagement. “To the university and campus management, thank you for recognising this initiative and providing the necessary resources. We hope that this place will become a central hub for our commuter students and that it will establish a sense of belonging for them. We appreciate the fact that this commuter lounge is equipped with laundry facilities, which will be helpful to our commuter students amid the water and electricity crisis that the Qwaqwa community faces,” said Zimvo.

The official opening ceremony of the commuter lounge is scheduled for later in the year, when it will be officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, Prof Francis Petersen. However, the university has decided to make the facility available to students immediately to allow them to benefit from the amenities.

This new commuter lounge is a testament to the university's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students. It is a space where students can thrive academically and socially, contributing to their overall university experience.

News Archive

UFS becomes partner of national bursary competition for the performing arts
2008-11-28

The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) has become a partner of the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and the Dramatic, Artistic, and Literary Rights Organisation’s (DALRO) new bursary programme for the performing arts.

The ACT DALRO Scholarship Programme will be implemented for the first time in 2009. For the following three years (2009-2011) one learner will receive
R75 000 per year that will be used to pay for his/her studies to an accredited undergraduate tertiary institution of their choice in the performing arts.

Grade 12 learners are invited to participate in the national competition where their abilities to act, sing and dance will be judged. Individuals who already matriculated and who are not registered for a formal course in the performing arts, are also encouraged to participate. Schools, drama clubs and colleges may also register a group of learners.

An elimination round of the competition will take place next year on 21 and 22 July 2009 at the Scaena Theatre on the UFS Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The registration fee is R200 per participant and a limited number of registrations will be subsidised. The closing date for the applications for subsidies is 31 March 2009 and registration of individuals and/or organisations is 30 April 2009.

Register at the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts at the UFS or fax the necessary documents to 051 401 3494. Application forms, rules and requirements to prepare for the competition can be requested from kamperm.hum@ufs.ac.za or fax a request to 051 401 3493.

Finalists must be available for the final round that will take place in September 2009 in Johannesburg. ACT will carry the cost of the transport and accommodation of the finalists for the final round.

Ms Marijda Kamper can be contacted at 051 401 2160 or kamperm.hum@ufs.ac.za  for more information regarding the Free State round. Mr Pieter Jacobs can be contacted at 011 802 7646 or pieter@act.org.za for general enquiries about the ACT Programme, or visit www.act.org.za .


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  
28 November 2008
 

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