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10 October 2024
iCAN Book Cover

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

Vishuis’s fourth Varsity Cup victory about more than rugby
2016-04-15

Description: Vishuis Tags: Vishuis

House Abraham Fischer, a residence from the University of the Free State, is the most successful team in the history of the Varsity Cup. Vishuis beat Patria (Pukke) in the 2016 final of the tournament.
Photo: SASPA
 

For Vishuis, it is about more than just rugby.

This is what Henco Posthumus, captain of House Abraham Fischer’s rugby team, had to say after his team was crowned the national Varsity Cup champions for an incredible fourth time. According to the flyhalf, the title of the leading residence team in the country is “special for the guys”.

Vishuis is the most successful residence team in the history of the tournament. Apart from their four titles, they have played in a total of five Varsity Cup finals.

On 11 April 2016, the residence from the University of the Free State (UFS) launched a great comeback in Stellenbosch to beat Patria (Pukke) by 37-29. This victory ensured that Vishuis was unbeaten in 2016.

Great fighting spirit


The Kovsies started off well against Patria, but were behind 16-29 shortly after break, and had to “delve deep”, according to Posthumus. “To be behind in this way is not what one would prefer. For some reason, we have been in similar situations before, and we know how to make a comeback,” he said.

“We looked one another in the eye and decided that we are not going to lose again in the final.” In last year’s final in Bloemfontein, when Posthumus played at fullback, Vishuis got stuck against Mopanie (Tuks) at the end of the match, and they wanted to prevent this from happening again.

Heymans a hero


According to the Vishuis captain, one of his team’s assistant coaches, Franco (Vaatjie) van der Merwe, spoke harshly to the players when they were behind. The victory was clinched in the dying moments, with the second try of scrumhalf, Ruben Heymans, when the score was 29 points each. Heymans was a star, and the well-deserved Man of the Match.

Posthumus said it is a great privilege to carry the title of Varsity Cup champions. His team has worked hard to reach the top.

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