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20 May 2024

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State, Prof Francis Petersen, is pleased to invite you to the launch of the Artists in Residency Programme. This event marks the exciting start of a new initiative at the university.

We are honored to have Mike van Graan, a distinguished independent artist and playwright, as our inaugural artist and playwright in residence. Van Graan boasts an impressive career, having authored 36 plays and contributing significantly to the cultural landscape. His expertise extends beyond playwriting, encompassing cultural policy, artist network development (both locally and across Africa), and advocacy work. Notably, he held leadership positions within esteemed organisations such as Arterial Network, the African Arts Institute, and the STAND Foundation. Van Graan's dedication to cultural activism and artistic creation is widely recognised.

Please join us for this momentous occasion:

Date: Thursday 27 June 2024
Time: 15:00-17:00 (followed by a cocktail reception)
Venue: Scaena Theatre, UFS Bloemfontein Campus

Click to view documentClick here to RSVP before 22 June 2024

For further information, contact Alicia Pienaar at pienaaran1@ufs.ac.za.

Programme highlights include:

  • Staged Reading: An excerpt from Return of the Ancestors, a play that pays homage to the satirical South African political play, Woza Albert, explores themes of democracy and sacrifice through the return of figures such as Steve Biko and Neil Aggett. 
  • Closed Premiere: The Good White, set against the backdrop of the 2015/16 student protests in South Africa, delves into contemporary issues such as race, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships. 
Read more about the event here and Join us for an afternoon celebrating artistic expression and social dialogue! 

News Archive

Kovsies offer prospective students countless opportunities at Open Day
2017-05-16

Description: Bloem Open Day 2017  Tags: Bloem Open Day 2017

The University of the Free State Bloemfontein
Campus opened its doors to prospective 2018
students at this year’s Open Day to learn what
being a Kovsie entails.
Photo: Johan Roux

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“It is important for us not to be stressed or confused, as you need to understand where your passion lies.”

These were the encouraging words of Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS), to the learners in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus during this year’s Open Day on 13 May 2017.

Prospective learners, teachers, as well as parents came out in numbers to learn and see what the UFS has to offer. The audience was also set ‘In the Mood’ by the enchanting voices of the Swing-City band.

UFS represent diversity, inclusivity as well as academic excellence

Prof Petersen highlighted the importance of the values which the UFS stands for, namely diversity, inclusivity, and academic excellence, as vital reasons why learners should consider coming to the UFS.

“We believe that innovation is part of the curriculum, it is part of the way we do things, and it is also embedded as a key attribute that we will expose potential Kovsie students to,” he said.

Mpho Maloka, a parent from Welkom, says: “It (the UFS) represents the Free State and it is home-brewed. We want our kids to have the best education, and with many of my colleagues that graduated from the UFS, you can see the quality, the enthusiasm, and the success that comes from this university.”

Graduates to impact society through innovation

Prof Petersen said that the UFS will not only develop them as individuals, but will also assist them in making a contribution to society. “If you really want to have an excellent degree, well-rounded exposure to Kovsie life, make an impact on society through innovative thought, and also have the value of being exposed to a richness of diversity, then Kovsies is the place to be.”

Sergio Abdiziet, a learner from Heidedal, said that he’d like to be part of the UFS, because it is one of the best universities in the country.

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