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19 July 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Sonja Dlamini and Nokuthula Tshabalala
Kovsie Model United Nations 2024
Delegates at the 2024 Kovsies Model United Nations Summit engage in UN simulations, fostering international understanding and innovative problem-solving at the University of the Free State.

The University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted the third annual Kovsies Model United Nations (KMUN) Summit, attracting delegates from universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.

This year's event, themed 'Building Sustainable Bridges for the World We Want', took place from 12 to 14 July 2024 and offered students the chance to engage in United Nations (UN) simulations to develop a deeper understanding of international affairs and innovative problem-solving. These UN simulations included the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and UNESCO.

Unique African solutions

The summit's keynote address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela. He stressed the importance of addressing global challenges in an African context, highlighting the role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why education lies at the heart of making this possible.

Manamela noted that the African Union (AU) had declared 2024 ‘The Year of Education’, emphasising the need for resilient and education systems that equip African youth with skills and knowledge for the modern world.

"Our problems in Africa are not different from the rest of the world; however, the solutions that are required must respond to the material conditions and the historical realities of our continent," he said.

Localise development goals

Dibolelo Mance, Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, also addressed the summit, urging youth to use the SDGs as an impetus to enhance their own communities and participate in global movements.

She highlighted local initiatives aimed at empowering young people to take active roles in their communities, using the SDGs as a development framework.

Policy partnership key for change

Dr Kevin Naidoo, Deputy Director-General of Policy, Governance, and Administration in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, stressed the role of youth as policy partners in implementing the UN SDGs and the AU’s Agenda 2063. He encouraged delegates to inspire change and actively participate in policymaking processes, advocating for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance.

The KMUN Summit gave young leaders a platform to engage in meaningful discussions and develop critical skills. The event reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership in global affairs, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a better future.

News Archive

Name change another step in transformation of the UFS
2006-06-22

One of the residences on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein will henceforth be known as Armentum.

“The new name, Armentum, for the student residence formerly known as Hendrik Verwoerd was approved by the UFS Council at its recent meeting,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

The name change comes after a thorough and inclusive consultation process with students of the residence and other groups, leading to their agreement to the name change, and a process to propose new names. 

Armentum was the first choice of the residents.  It is the Latin for a herd or a group of large animals such as elephants (which is the mascot of the residence).

“The name is acceptable and suitable within our policy on name-giving.  Latin names, like that of English, Afrikaans and Sesotho names are acceptable and Armentum is language neutral,” said Prof Fourie.

He said the name change from Verwoerd to Armentum was part of the transformation effort at the UFS to make the campus a more inclusive and tolerant place where all South Africans can feel at home.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:   (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za 
22 June 2006

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