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17 May 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Sonia Small
Humanities graduate
UFS Humanities graduate, ready to make a mark in the world.

The Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS), in line with the goals of Vision 130, hosted a dynamic career webinar on Thursday 9 May. This event, organised by the Department of Communication Science, offered invaluable guidance and inspiration to students pursuing Communication Science degrees as their future career path.

The webinar featured a lineup of successful alumni who shared their diverse career paths within the ever-evolving communication landscape. Students gained practical insights from these experienced professionals, fostering a clearer understanding of the vast opportunities available to them. A particular highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr Phumzile Mmope, whose powerful and motivational graduation speech continues to resonate with many. Dr Mmope, a renowned expert in leadership communication, generously volunteered her time to address the students. This act embodied the spirit of mentorship and community that Vision 130 seeks to cultivate.

Beyond offering career guidance, the webinar served as a powerful symbol of the UFS' dedication to excellence and societal impact, as outlined in Vision 130. By connecting current students with accomplished alumni and promoting a culture of volunteerism, the Faculty of The Humanities empowers graduates to become well-rounded professionals equipped to make a significant difference in the world and contribute meaningfully to society.

A glimpse into the future of communication

The webinar not only provided practical career advice, but also offered a glimpse into the future of communication. Alumni speakers discussed emerging trends and the evolving skillsets required for success in the field. Students gained a deeper understanding of how their communication degree can be leveraged in new and exciting ways, preparing them to thrive in this dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

A network of support

The webinar fostered a sense of community and support among communication students. By connecting them with successful alumni, the event showcased the diverse career possibilities that await graduates. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals provided valuable insights and inspiration, empowering students to navigate their career paths with confidence.

Vision 130: building a brighter future

This career webinar exemplifies the core principles of Vision 130. By prioritising student success, fostering mentorship, and promoting community engagement, the Faculty of The Humanities equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to become impactful leaders in the field of communication.

News Archive

UFS arts are experiencing a boom
2013-09-03

 
Dot Vermeulen
3 September 2013

The arts at the University of the Free State are experiencing a boom, with several Kovsie artists achieving on a national platform. Dot Vermeulen, a junior lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts, is the latest UFS artist to be honoured nationally as the winner of the 2013 Sasol New Signatures art award. 

The award is rewarding emerging young artists. The winning entry, entitled “Desperately disciplined,” by Vermeulen, who is currently studying toward her master’s degree in Visual Arts, was chosen from approximately 400 entries. 

Earlier this year, Pauline Gutter, a former Kovsie, won the Absa L’Atelier competition, which is South Africa’s most prestigious art competition. The year before, another former student from our Department of Fine Arts, Elrie Joubert, won the competition. 

Vermeulen says there are brilliant people at the UFS who are active in visual arts at various levels. "People such as Janine Allen-Spies (lecturer in painting) and Angela de Jesus (curator of the Stegmann gallery) are not only good artists, they are also involved with the community and invest a great deal of energy into the development of young artists. From my own experience, I can say that I have benefited a lot from academic scholarships from the UFS in the course of my study career." 

She says her winning entry refers to the relationship between traditional tactile painting and contemporary digital media. "The focus is especially on hidden moments of absorption and correspondence during the art-making process. The painting installation depicts a reading nude figure on a couch. A computer screen is mounted on a stand in front of the painting, animating the same image, while at the same time blocking the view of the painting. In the animation, the nude figure pages through her book from time to time, with the paint and digital drawing marks moving around her. The text “Envoi is typing…” is also animated on the surface of the couch repeatedly. It is suggestive of internet chat boxes, which often pop up on the screen while I am working on my laptop." 

As winner of the Sasol New Signatures art award, Vermeulen won R60 000 and the opportunity of a solo art exhibition in the Pretoria Art Museum. 

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