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Communication students get career guidance and a glimpse into Vision 130

17 May 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Sonia Small

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

Education is the key to the unification of black and white masses of South Africa

2015-11-13

From left are Dr Victor Teise (Head of School of Higher Education), Dr Mafu Rakometsi (CEO of UMALUSI), and Prof Sechaba Mahlomaholo (Dean of Faculty of Education).
Photo: Valentino Ndaba

In view of the divisive nature South Africa’s (SA) schooling system during the pre-1994 period, education appears to be one of the most potent unifying mechanisms of the democratic dispensation. With the elimination of Bantu education and the subsequent gain of access to basic and higher education by the historically-disadvantaged of this country, the schooling system is said to be building and reconstructing bridges which were burnt by the apartheid administration.

This opinion was shared by Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UMALUSI – the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training. Dr Rakometsi, a University of the Free State alumnus, presented a guest lecture titled: “Educational transformation in South Africa – lessons for the future” on Thursday 5 November 2015 at the Bloemfontein Campus.

The discussion of salient matters regarding education and transformation was hosted by the Faculty of Education in collaboration with Institutional Advancement: Alumni.

According to Dr Rakometsi, the transformation of education in SA can be viewed in the same light as that of government; where the nationalist policy was succeeded by democracy. “Education promoted the agenda of ensuring that there was no integration of the South African population,” he said of the past.

“Simply put, in SA, the black person was denied, and deprived of, human rights,” he added. Nonetheless, the declaration of human rights as enshrined in our constitution, and the conviction held by lobby groups, such as the Black Sash, that the young should seek and receive education led to transformation within the education sector.

Although that transformation has been accomplished, poverty continues to hinder access to education. Approximately 80% of the black students in higher education are from poor families, meaning that their parents are unable to fund the completion of their studies. Financial exclusion then translates to social exclusion, which relegates these underprivileged students into narrow enclaves. This results in a counter-transformation situation as a consequence.

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