Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
13 June 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied
Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane
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

UFS students identified
2008-02-29

Statement by Mr Anton Fisher, Director: Strategic Communication at the University of the Free State (UFS)

Classes resumed today (Thursday, 28 February 2008) on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein and everything is calm on campus following yesterday’s protest march in reaction to an extremely offensive and racist video.

The UFS has identified four students in connection with a video that shows black employees of the UFS having to undergo a mock integration ceremony.

They are: Roelof Malherbe (current student), Schalk van der Merwe (current student), Danie Grobler (former student), and Johnny Roberts (former student).

In another development, the UFS has officially reported the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution and supplied a copy of the video. An investigating officer has been appointed and the incident is now being investigated.

Earlier today a lawyer acting for the employees took statements from them concerning the matter.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
28 February 2008
 

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