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10 May 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo Supplied
Fun walk-run 2024
Step into fitness and fun at the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk. Join us on 11 May at 6am at the Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus.

The heartbeat of the University of the Free State (UFS) is pulsing with excitement as the Faculty of Health Sciences gears up to host an event that promises to unite the campus and the Bloemfontein community in a celebration of health, vitality, and camaraderie as we mark Africa Month. Get your running shoes laced and your spirits high because on 11 May 2024, it’s time to join the free 5km Fun Run and Walk.

Date: 11 May 2024  
Time: 06:00  
Venue: Francois Retief Building, Bloemfontein Campus  

Why should you join?

Picture this: The crisp morning air filled with the rhythm of lively beats, the sun gently rising over the iconic Francois Retief Building, and a sea of smiling faces ready to embark on a journey of fitness and fun. The 5km fun run and walk is not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness, promoting mental wellness, and embracing the joy of movement.

“Exercise should be fun. Most people believe that spending long hours exercising produces better results, whereas we want to encourage and show people that exercise should not feel like work – it should be fun,” says Jabulile Mabina, Assistant Officer at KovsieFit Gym.

Leading the charge in the fitness fiesta is KovsieFit, bringing its signature blend of energy and enthusiasm to the event. Mabina will guide participants through an invigorating aerobics session guaranteed to get those endorphins flowing and those muscles warmed up for the main event. Remember, exercise isn’t just about sculpting the body; it’s about nourishing the mind and soul too.

Community, connection, and compassion

At the heart of the fun run and walk lies a deeper purpose – to raise awareness about mental health and to foster a sense of community spirit as we celebrate Africa Month. Reuben Maeko, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says: “The vision of the faculty of Health Sciences is to be research led and innovative, people centred, regionally engaged, and globally competitive. We prioritise the well-being of our students and staff by organising events that promote healthy lifestyles. Our focus is on our community, placing our people at the forefront of all our endeavours. Moreover, this event will underscore the importance of physical activity for students, keeping them active and healthy.”

This sentiment resonates with the theme for the 2024 Africa Month, which is World Citizenship and African Higher Education: Preparing Students for a Connected World.

Prizes galore

What’s a celebration without some rewards? Thanks to the generous support of sponsors like Standard Bank, Steers and Debonairs, Pimento, and Rhythm Finance, participants stand the chance to win an array of exciting prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker soaking in the sights, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and lace up those running shoes because the UFS 5km Fun Run and Walk awaits. Whether you’re a staff member, a student, or a member of the Bloemfontein community, come join us as we step, stride, and smile our way to a healthier, happier tomorrow. Remember, it’s not just a run; it’s a journey of joy, unity, and well-being. See you at the starting line.

News Archive

UFS staff gets a salary adjustment of 10,00%
2009-11-04

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) management and trade unions have agreed on an improvement in the service benefits of staff of 12,81% for 2010. This includes a general salary adjustment of 10,00% (according to the estimated government subsidy that will be received in 2010).

The agreement was signed on Friday, 30 October 2009 by representatives of the UFS management and the trade unions UVPERSU and NEHAWU.

The negotiating parties agreed that adjustments could vary from a minimum of 8,98% or more, depending on the government subsidy and the model forecasts. If the minimum of 8,98% is not affordable, the parties will re-negotiate.

An additional once-off, non-pensionable bonus of R2 000 will also be paid to staff later this year. The bonus will be paid to all staff members who were in the employment of the university on UFS conditions of service on 29 October 2009 and who assumed duties before 1 October 2009. The bonus is payable in recognition of the role played by staff during the year to promote the UFS as a university of excellence and as confirmation of the role and effectiveness of the remuneration model.

It is the intention to pass the maximum benefit possible on to staff without exceeding the limits of financial sustainability of the institution. For this reason, the negotiating parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Multiple-year, Income-related Remuneration Improvement Model used as a framework for negotiations. The model and its applications are unique and have as a point of departure that the UFS must be and remains financially sustainable.

Agreement was reached that 2,45% will be allocated for growth in capacity building to ensure that provision is made for the growth of the UFS over the last few years. An allocation of 0,14% will be made towards the final phasing in of fringe benefits. It will be used to provide group life insurance to all service workers. An agreement was also reached that 0,22% will be allocated towards structural adjustments of certain levels of the support services salary structure.

The implementation date for the salary adjustment is 1 January 2010. The adjustment will be calculated on the total remuneration package.

In 2009, a total salary adjustment of 16,13% was paid to staff and they received a once-off non-pensionable bonus of R3 390 at the end of 2008.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
3 November 2009

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