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03 October 2024
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Story Ansie Barnard
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Photo Supplied
From left to right: Londeka Mkhwanazi, Semither Mkhize, Salima van Schalkwyk, Slindokuhle Ndlovu, Asanda Mpinga, Mantombi Molefe, Ntombinkulu Khumalo, Mosebjadi Chauke and Thembinkosi Mkhwanazi.
The Amrut Foundation, in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), successfully hosted its Inaugural Innovathon at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus. This competition is designed to identify and support innovative products and services that not only generate profit but also contribute to the public good, with a strong emphasis on ethical business practices. Through this collaboration, students gain national exposure for their businesses and receive support to create sustainable social enterprises.
Five teams of student social entrepreneurs from the Qwaqwa campus were shortlisted to participate in the regional finals. Their selection was based on ventures that adhered to a social entrepreneurship model and demonstrated plans for long-term profitability and sustainability.
During the Innovathon, a panel of judges from the UFS, the Amrut Foundation, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) selected two outstanding teams to represent the UFS at the national finals, which will take place in October. The winning ventures, Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue were each awarded R20,000 to further develop and expand their initiatives.
Hemang Desai, Executive Director of the Amrut Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "Amrut is proud to co-host the Free State leg of the inaugural Innovation Challenge with the UFS. Supporting students with entrepreneurial ambitions that align with societal care is one of our key focus areas."
Dr Grey Magaiza, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director for the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the UFS, highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship: “Social entrepreneurship is a collaborative effort towards creating sustainable and ethical business processes. The two winning projects embody these principles, and we look forward to their continued growth. In line with our Vision 130, social entrepreneurship can serve as a critical lever for university-community engagement.”
Congratulations to Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue on their well-deserved achievements!
UFS sets deadline for applications
2007-11-03
The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2008 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2007.
“This applies to first-time entering first-year students and senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Academic Student Services at the UFS.
According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2007 and until 15 January 2008 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for.
Applications from prospective students with conditional exemptions will be accepted until 2 January 2008.
Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R130.
The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee.
The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.
“More than 26 000 students are registered at the UFS Main Campus for the 2007 academic year. We expect a considerable number of applications and foresee that our numbers for next year will be similar to what it is now,” said Mr Collett.
First-time entering first-year students from the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and the Humanities (including Education) will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Frederick Fourie, on Friday, 11 January 2008 at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.
The welcoming of students from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Law and Theology will take place on Saturday, 12 January 2008 in the Callie Human Centre.
The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 15 January 2008 and that of senior students on 21 January 2008 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.
Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2007 and are accepted can register from 4 February 2008
Lectures will commence on 4 February 2008 and the registration process will end on 8 February 2008.
Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call 051 401 3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.ufs.ac.za .
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
2 November 2007