Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Empowering indigenous voices: Tlotlisang Mhlambiso’s literary debut promotes IsiXhosa heritage

28 February 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Anthony Mthembu

The University of the Free State Library and Information Services (UFS LIS), in collaboration with the UFS African Languages Press (UFSALP) and the Charmza Literary Club, recently hosted a significant book launch event. This gathering celebrated the debut anthology titled “Phind’ubhale: Imibongo YesiXhosa” by Tlotlisang Mhlambiso, a student at the UFS. The event, held on 24 February 2024 at the Assemblies of God church in Bloemfontein, attracted a diverse audience, including educators and students from local schools such as Ihobe Primary School, Vulamasango Secondary School and Nozala Intermediate School.

About the anthology

Mhlambiso’s anthology comprises nearly 60 poems, all composed in IsiXhosa, his native language. Exploring themes ranging from mental health and love to faith and navigating life’s challenges, Mhlambiso underscores the significance of writing in indigenous languages, considering it an integral part of cultural heritage. He aims not only to promote IsiXhosa but also to inspire and empower young readers.

Appropriately released during the International Mother Language Day celebrations on 21 February 2024, the anthology launch aligns with the mission of UFS LIS and UFSALP to foster a culture of reading among learners and encourage recreational reading in IsiXhosa.

The launch event

During the event, Mhlambiso engaged with the audience, particularly the learners, who had the opportunity to recite excerpts from the anthology. Mhlambiso himself recited one of his favourite poems from the book, titled “Phind’ubhale.” Outstanding student participants were rewarded with copies of the anthology as part of an initiative aimed at promoting literacy and motivation among young learners.

Commenting on the event, Vuyisile Mpinga, Principal of Nozala Intermediate School, expressed gratitude, noting the positive impact such initiatives have on learner motivation and achievement.

Mhlambiso’s future endeavours

Despite his notable literary achievements, Mhlambiso remains committed to furthering the cause of indigenous languages. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies, with a specialisation in Languages, he intends to advocate for the importance of indigenous languages in schools across the country.

Book Launch

Tlotlisang Mhlambiso with educators from the schools invited to the launch.

News Archive

2015/2016 SRC candidates announced

2015-08-19

Ledimo Nthejane, Independent Electoral Commission Provincial Manager, announcing the contenders for SRC elections at the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Johan Roux

Congratulations to the successful 2015/2016 Student Representative Council (SRC) nominees. We wish you all the best with your campaigning.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been appointed by the UFS to take responsibility for the operational aspects of the upcoming SRC elections on the Bloemfontein campus. Their involvement spans over the period from the nomination process up to the announcement of the election results on 3 September 2015.

Bloemfontein Campus:

Edward de Wet (President)
Lindokuhle Ntuli (President)
Mpho Khati (Vice-President)
Nigel Marchall Masalla (Vice-President)
Nicola King (First-generation students)
Brand Louw (First-generation students)
Dineo Khotso Mashile (Transformation)
Katleho Mmolayeng Letube (Transformation)
Jeanne-Mari McDonald (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Lesley-Anne Terblanche (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Luke Harrold Small (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Nomathamsanqa Nomvula Kraai (Legal and Constitutional Affairs)
Victor Sejane (Student Accessibility)
Sam-Maree Rooi (Student Accessibility)
Rememberance Rohula Kgabu (Student Accessibility)
Delia Moumakwe (Culture)
Mohau Moses Lesebo (Culture)
Kabelo Elijah Noosi (Sport)
Neo Gift Thebe (Sport)
Peo Morwesi Segano (Media and Marketing)
Gali Moticoe (Media and Marketing)
Mafelleng Itumeleng Matla (Student Development and Environment)
Karabo Pheko (Student Development and Environment)
Shaun Grobler (Treasurer)
Cornel Vermaak (Treasurer)
Katleho Masheane (Treasurer)
Thulani Babeli (Treasurer)
Nothando Hlophe (Secretary)
Tsietso Mafaso (Secretary)
Mihlali Matanzima (Secretary)

Qwaqwa Campus:

Tseko Masoeu (President)
Ntokozo Mbele (President)
Paseka Sikhosane (President)
Ntandoyenkosi Mndebele (President)
Zethu Mhlongo (Deputy President)
Limpho Mape (Deputy President)
Mpho Pooe (Deputy President)
Langelihle Mzobe (Deputy President)
Bannetse Mokhatla (Secretary General)
Londiwe Shezi (Secretary General)
Nondumiso Langa (Secretary General)
Palesa Selepe (Treasurer General)
Sabelo Vilakazi (Treasurer General)
Sinenhlanhla Mfeka (Treasurer General)
Solomuzi Khathi (Treasurer General)
Busisiwe Nkosi (Politics and Transformation)
Banele Mndwaweni (Politics and Transformation)
Nthabiseng Mokoena (Politics and Transformation)
Sibusiso Nyambose (Media and Publicity)
Nonkululeko Shabalala (Media and Publicity)
Khulani Mhlongo (Media and Publicity)
Bongiwe Buthelezi (Media and Publicity)
Nhlanhla Shabalala (Student Development and Environmental Affairs)
Thulane Dubazane (Student Development and Environmental Affairs)
Lindokuhle Ngubane (Student Development & Environmental Affairs)

Nominations for the Secretary and Treasurer portfolios are still open until 12:00 noon on Friday 21 August 2015.

Important dates to note:

18 August 2015 - Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campus campaigning commences

27 August 2015 - Qwaqwa campaigning ends

30 August 2015 - Bloemfontein campaigning ends

28 August 2015 - Qwaqwa Election Day

31 August 2015 - Bloemfontein Election Day

1 September 2015 - Qwaqwa SR handover and establishment sitting

4 September 2015 - Bloemfontein SRC handover and establishment sitting

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

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