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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

Roosmaryn and Vishuis win residences' cross-country league

2010-09-17

According to Sarina Cronjé of KovieSport at the University of the Free State (UFS), this year’s residences’ cross-country league consisted of six meetings.

The meetings took place in inter-residence format, according to the penalty-point system. All the participants contributed points towards the team total, e.g. first position = 1 point and second position = 2 points, etc. The team with the least points wins. Each residence team consisted of four athletes. If less than four athletes in a team finished, that team was awarded 100 penalty points per athlete for each one less than four athletes. A residence could enter an indefinite number of teams.

Upon completion of the six meetings Roosmaryn won the women’s division, followed by Marjolein in second position and Roosmaryn’s B team in third position. In the men’s division, Vishuis came first, followed by Veritas in the second position and JBM in the third position.

The last meeting, in the form of a 4 x 1 km relay, took place on 1 September 2010. There the team of Kagiso triumphed in the men’s division. Roosmaryn once again won the women’s division.

- Sarina Cronjé

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