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Ibrahim Mahama engages with future artists during UFS visit

14 May 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Supplied

Ghanaian contemporary artist, Ibrahim Mahama, visited the Department of Fine Arts at the University of the Free State (UFS) to share insights with staff and students during his stay in the country.

Dr Adelheid Von Maltitz, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the UFS, highlighted the significance of Mahama’s visit which took place from 21 to 28 March 2024, marking the first instance of such interaction between a Fine Arts department in South Africa and Mahama. She remarked, “It is truly astounding that a person of his calibre dedicated time to focus on our department, and I believe this has catalysed a positive shift within our department.”

Mahama’s impactful presence at UFS

Dr Von Maltitz emphasised that Mahama’s visit aimed to offer staff and students a glimpse into his artistic process and mindset. During his time at the UFS, Mahama, who was virtually overseeing his latest recent large-scale artwork titled Purple Hibiscus, which involved wrapping the Barbican Centre in London, engaged extensively with staff and students from the department about their research. He shared insights into his creative journey, presented select works, and conducted critique sessions with fourth year and postgraduate students, among other activities. Dr Von Maltitz believes this interaction, particularly with students, has significantly bolstered their confidence as aspiring artists, preparing them for professional endeavours.

Broader implications and future prospects

Mahama’s visit not only energised the department’s academic environment but also holds broader implications. Dr Von Maltitz asserted that it will solidify the department’s identity nationally and create avenues for students to pursue residencies in countries like Ghana. Therefore, maintaining a fruitful relationship with Mahama remains a priority for the department.

Reflecting on the visit Dr Von Maltitz concluded, ‘’the key takeaway, especially for the students, was witnessing the potential of their works within the broader South African and international contexts. “

News Archive

Athletics SA hosts cross-country championships at our university

2011-09-28

Zola Budd
Photo: Johan Roux

According to Mr DB Prinsloo, Director of KovsieSport at our university, Athletics South Africa’s Cross Country-Championships, which was hosted on our Bloemfontein Campus, was a great success. Not only did a record number of 3 368 athletes register for the championships, but a record number of spectators – between 10 000 and 12 000 – also attended.

Well-known former Kovsie athlete, Zola Budd, who was the World Cross-Country Champion in 1985 and 1986, gave an outstanding performance at this event and triumphed as the overall winner in the 30-70 age group. What made her performance even more remarkable was her time of 14:37 in the 4 km race, which was faster than any of the girls in the 14-17 age group.

Kovsie student, Danel Prinsloo, also gave a good performance by finishing 6th out of 79 athletes in the junior women’s category. Danel, Charity Moletsane and Jessica Stevens (also from the UFS), won the bronze medal in the junior women’s team competition.
Khothatso Mokone obtained a 17th place (out of 70 athletes) in the senior men’s division. He also contributed to the Free State’s bronze medal in the 12 km team competition.

Other Kovsie athletes who contributed to the team competition medals for the Free State were Marili du Buisson, who won a bronze medal in the 4 km race for women under 21, and Maryna Swanepoel and Nelmaré Loubser, who both received bronze medals in the senior women’s 8 km race.

Danie Cronjé, former Kovsie and current Chairperson of the Kovsie Athletics Club, obtained a gold medal by winning the 8 km race for men aged 55-59 in a time of 30:37.

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