Latest News Archive

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

UFS Language Policy is now available in four languages

13 June 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, is at the forefront of this initiative, championing diversity and inclusiveness for all stakeholders at the University of the Free State.

Diversity in higher education institutions enriches the learning environment, fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual respect. It broadens perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and prepares students for a global workforce by supporting equitable access to opportunities and enhancing all students' personal growth and academic excellence.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to linguistic diversity with the official translation of its Language Policy into three additional languages: Sesotho, Afrikaans, and isiZulu. Previously only available in English, the translation of the policy – approved by the University Council in November 2023 – into these languages reflects the university's dedication to inclusivity and recognition of its diverse community.

The collaboration between the Academy for Multilingualism and the Institutional Regulatory Code was instrumental in a groundbreaking initiative: making the Language Policy accessible to speakers of African languages. Spearheaded by the Academy for Multilingualism, this endeavour involved a thorough translation, formatting, and proofreading process.

Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, emphasised that the availability of the Language Policy in multiple languages is not merely symbolic, but underscores the UFS' values of respect, human dignity, and social justice, as outlined in its Vision130. “This initiative aligns with the university's overarching goal of fostering an environment where all languages are valued and respected. We also hope that the Language Policy will not just be written in different languages but will strengthen the implementation of the policy in various domains of the university to achieve its objectives.

She further explains that the translation project is expected to have far-reaching impacts on how policies are communicated and understood within the university, because it enhances the ability of students, staff, and stakeholders to participate more fully in university life, contributing to a more cohesive and integrated community.

This initiative is a testament to the UFS' commitment to embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity as a fundamental aspect of its identity and operations.

News Archive

Department of Agricultural Economics provides help with workshop

2010-03-08

From the left are: Mr Dannhauser, Prof. Willemse and Mr Strydom at the first agricultural prospects workshop of 2010.
Photo: Lize du Plessis

The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently presented an agricultural prospects workshop for mainly agri-businesses and producers on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The workshop, which has been presented quarterly since 2005, focused on providing farmers the opportunity to share their strategies with one another. They also received advice from agri-businesses such as co-operations, input producers, merchants and banks. Mr Dries Dannhauser, owner of Sharex, who speculates with commodities and shares, advised farmers struggling with mealie sales. He explained how to lower risks with South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX).

Prof. Johan Willemse, Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the UFS and Mr Dirk Strydom also presented lectures about, among others, market trends. The workshop will be presented again on 4 May, 18 August and 27 October this year in the CR Swart Auditorium on the Main Campus.

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