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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

Kovsie Alumni honoured

2011-09-05

Kovsie Cum Laude winner Maurice Carpede shows his award. With him is Naude de Klerk(left), Kovsie Alumni Chairperson.
Photo: Foto 24

Dr John Purchase, Chief Executive of the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce, was honoured as Kovsie Alumnus of the Year by the University of the Free State (UFS) during the annual Kovsie Alumni Awards Dinner on 2 September 2011. Dr Purchase and four other former Kovsies were honoured for exceptional achievements and contributions made to the UFS at this glittering event.

The well-known columnist Mr Willem Theron who writes columns for Beeld and Volksblad, was honoured with the Kovsie Ambassador Award. Another well-known Kovsie, the radio and television personality Mr Maurice Carpede was honoured with the Kovsie Cum Laude Award. Carpede shares this award with Mr Koert Pretorius, Chief Executive of Mediclinic South Africa, they received the award jointly. Mr Arie van der Bijl, retired Financial Director of the UFS, was honoured with the Alumnus Award for exceptional service delivered to the UFS.

Dr Purchase, who was unable to attend the award ceremony, expressed his appreciation in a pre-recorded message. He said that Kovsies taught him how to be a leader. Theron, a marketer for the Kovsie Alumni Trust who received the Centenary Medal from the UFS in 2004, said in his acknowledgement speech that he feels humbled by this award. He said Kovsies became both his home and his family.

Both Carpede and Pretorius mentioned the impact Kovsies had on their lives. Carpede said he became a Kovsie in the years of transition, a time when words like “whites only” were printed on some doors, but despite all of that, he learnt that not all whites were bad. Pretorius, who was honoured for his contribution to private healthcare in the country, said that Kovsies were the key that unlocked several doors for him.

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