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iCAN Vol. 4: A Tapestry of Voices

10 October 2024

The Centre for Teaching and Learning recently unveiled the fourth volume of the Initiative for African Narratives (iCAN), a vibrant celebration of diverse voices at the University of the Free State (UFS). This latest anthology features 48 stories presented in 10 of South Africa’s official languages: Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Sepedi, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Contributors include Kovsie writers from all three UFS campuses, reflecting the university’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity.

“This initiative forms part of the university’s commitment to promoting multilingualism while providing a platform for a wide array of narratives,” said Dr Peet van Aardt, iCAN Coordinator. “Every student at the university has stories to tell – whether drawn from their personal experiences or shaped by their imagination.”

The launch, held on the Bloemfontein Campus, attracted around 150 students. Attendees were treated to musical performances by the Conlaures Choir, conducted by Omphemetse Phaswana, and a captivating saxophone solo by Thabo Dlamini from the Odeion School of Music. Representatives from the Academy for Multilingualism and African Languages Press were also present, underscoring the event’s focus on the intersection of language and expression.

This year's anthology, iCAN Vol. 4, is the ninth publication under the iCAN initiative in the past seven years. In addition to these collaborative anthologies, iCAN has also published several standalone works by solo student authors. Coordinated by senior student writer Siphila Dlamini, this volume showcases some of the finest writing talent across the UFS campuses.

Student of the year

Shortly after the iCAN launch, the Office of the Executive Dean of Student Affairs announced that Siphila Dlamini had been awarded the prestigious EDSA Student of the Year 2024 title. His contributions to student success and well-being were lauded as being aligned with the university’s strategic objectives.

Currently completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation, Siphila plans to pursue a master’s degree next year. Reflecting on the award, he said, “This recognition, stemming from my work with iCAN, is a humbling reminder of the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries. It reaffirms my belief that by amplifying diverse voices and fostering creativity, we can spark change, inspire growth, and leave an indelible mark on our collective narrative.”

Siphila’s accolade marks the second consecutive win for an iCAN writer. Last year, the award was bestowed upon Tlotlisang David Mhlambiso from the Faculty of Education, further highlighting the initiative’s role in nurturing outstanding talent.

News Archive

Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture launches national Women’s Month Celebrations

2012-08-17

Free State Premier Ace Magashule with President Jacob Zuma during the Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture held on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Stephen Collett
6 August 2012

“Mother of African Freedom, heroine, teacher, unifier and true revolutionary.”

That is how dignitaries such as President Jacob Zuma, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and others described Charlotte Maxeke, the woman they came to celebrate at the University of the Free State on 4 August 2012.

President Zuma honoured the life of the ANC Women’s League stalwart in delivering the fifth annual Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture. The event officially kicked off the national Women’s Month celebrations and thousands of people made their way to the Bloemfontein Campus to listen to the President’s address.

President Zuma told the audience in the Callie Human Centre that women activism had not started with the 1956 march to the Union Buildings – it began much earlier. He spoke about Charlotte Maxeke’s leading role in the landmark 1913 march against pass laws in Bloemfontein and said this had inspired bravery and enthusiasm in the hearts of many in the struggle.

“As a collective, we must emulate the contribution of Mama Maxeke. In her honour, we must continue to open new paths for women, enable them to break new ground in leadership." President Zuma said Charlotte Maxeke, who believed a woman’s place was everywhere, had to be smiling with regard to Dr Dlamini Zuma’s appointment as Chairperson of the AU Commission.

In her speech, Dr Dlamini Zuma encouraged women to embrace the African Decade of Women, saying it was their responsibility to define and implement the changes they want to see. “We should define for ourselves what this decade means, define that we want to do, the role we want to play and achieve during this decade.”

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