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20 November 2024 | Story Zinzi Zumana | Photo Supplied
UFS X Zambia 2024
UFS and UNZA delegates engaged in a vibrant cultural exchange in Lusaka, Zambia, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership focused on student success, student well-being, and social justice.

The University of the Free State (UFS) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) have embarked on an inspiring international collaboration, with a delegation from the UFS touching down in Lusaka for a week of cross-cultural exchange and educational advancement. This visit – led by the Executive Director of Student Affairs at the UFS, Temba Hlasho – ran from 11 to15 November 2024 and brought together a select group of students and staff to engage in a transformative exchange aimed at strengthening the bonds between these two esteemed institutions.

At the heart of the UFS-UNZA partnership is a shared commitment to holistic student development and social justice. Both institutions seek to cultivate globally minded graduates who are ready to tackle regional and international challenges. The UFS has strategically aligned with UNZA in pursuit of these goals, recognising their compatible institutional visions and their mutual focus on student success, innovation, and building sustainable communities.

In its Strategic Plan for 2027, UNZA emphasises goals of excellence in teaching, research, community service, and digital innovation, while the UFS Vision 130 underscores a dedication to fostering holistic student success. Together, the two institutions are driving forward a vision that merges academic excellence with social responsibility and well-being.

The choice of Zambia as a partner is not accidental. With a deep history of solidarity dating back to the 1980s, South Africa and Zambia share a longstanding cultural connection, now improved by this educational partnership. This visit is rooted in the shared mission to empower the next generation, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to inclusive, thriving educational environments where young people can flourish.

The UFS delegation set out to accomplish several impactful objectives during their time at UNZA, including global collaboration and knowledge exchange, student support and wellness initiatives, commitment to social justice and community engagement, as well as leadership development and academic excellence.

This visit marks the beginning of an exploratory and reciprocal partnership that will extend well beyond the week. Moving forward, the UFS and UNZA will engage in sustained dialogue and collaborative projects across a range of student support initiatives, ensuring that each institution can evolve with new insights and strategies.

As the delegation visit unfolded, both the UFS and UNZA celebrated the dawn of a transformative partnership that bridges borders, unites cultures, and advances a shared vision for student success and social impact. This collaboration is poised to empower students with the skills and perspectives necessary to become leaders in their communities and on the global stage.

Together, the UFS and UNZA are setting a powerful example of international academic partnership, one that promises to foster impactful and lasting change for students, faculty, and the broader society.

News Archive

R2,5 million received from FNB Fund for Universal Access and Disability Support
2017-10-18

Description: FNB CUADS Funding Tags: FNB CUADS Funding
Tinotenda Magaya (left at the back), Robert Shoba and
Manus van Rooyen are some of the CUADS students
who will benefit from the money donated by the FNB Fund.
In front are Martie Miranda (left), Head of CUADS, and
Thandeka Rantsi from the FNB Fund.
Photo: Jóhann Thormählen

Funding isn’t only about giving money to provide access to education. There are many factors that contribute to the successful completion of studies, and this is even more applicable to students with disabilities. 

That is why the FNB Fund decided to continue and further its relationship with the Center for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) at the University of the Free State (UFS). The fund recently donated nearly R2.5 million for 2017, 2018, and 2019 to CUADS in order to assist students with tuition fees, study material, accommodation and supportive devices. 

A total of 11 students will benefit from the R 2 497 440. The UFS previously received R200 000 (2014), R238 000 (2015), and R192 500 (2016) from the FNB Fund.

“The FNB Fund would like to take it
a step further and not only provide
access in terms of funding, but also
provide all the support that
students require to be able
to complete their studies.”

Funders should be aware of challenges

“The FNB Fund would like to take it a step further and not only provide access in terms of funding, but also provide all the necessary support that students require to be able to complete their studies,” says Thandeka Rantsi from the FNB Fund.

The fund also partners with disability units from the University of Stellenbosch, the University of the Western Cape, and the University of Cape Town.

Rantsi says funders should be aware of the challenges students with disabilities face in order to provide the right support as their challenges are more extensive.

More flexible funding than others

Martie Miranda, Head of CUADS, says they are very grateful. “In comparison with other funding, this funding provides more flexibility. Because of the gap between government funding and students’ needs, there are always students who fall out of the criteria for the NSFAS bursary. Then the FNB funding comes in very handy.”

According to her, government funding is never enough. She says the FNB funding enables them to address specific needs such as equipment, accommodation etc. as they have more leeway than prescribed NSFAS amounts.

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