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28 October 2024
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Story Zingaphi Mdletshe
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Photo Supplied
Kovsie ACT volunteers undergo leadership and skills training, preparing them to engage in community service and develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges beyond university life.
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Kovsie ACT office continues to foster a spirit of humanity among students through a leadership and skills development training initiative that is aimed at not only developing them as volunteers but also as conscientious individuals who understand the value of helping others.
“The leadership and skills development training is a platform that the ACT office utilises to ensure that volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills needed to fulfil their duties as Central ACT Committee members, thereby facilitating a smooth term,” said Teddy Sibiya, Senior Assistant Officer at Kovsie Support Services. “We aim to impart knowledge that will be beneficial during their term and beyond their involvement with the ACT office.”
Touching on how the training aligns with the broader goals of the Kovsie ACT Volunteer Programme for the term 2024/2025, Sibiya emphasised that sustainability has always been at the heart of Kovsie ACT and that their activities provide opportunities for students to engage in community service and participate in environmental initiatives to assist civil society organisations. The programme also encourages students to become active global citizens by addressing transnational issues such as food insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a movement that influences not just the lives of students but also reaches beyond the university, promoting innovative and sustainable solutions on a larger scale,” said Raylene Bussack, a Central ACT Committee volunteer. “My goal is to inspire and empower others to join us in this vital work to make a lasting difference together.”
In addition to leadership training, Kovsie ACT offers various programmes designed to enhance students' skills in areas such as communication, teamwork and project management. These skills are essential for their roles within Kovsie ACT and for their future careers. By participating in community service projects, students build valuable relationships and gain practical experience that will benefit them upon graduation. The initiative ultimately aims to create a culture of giving back among students while enriching their university experience.
Deadline for written submissions extended to 12:00 on Wednesday 15 November 2017
2017-11-08
Deadline for written submissions extended: Investigation/review into the handling of student protests on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses by private security companies during october 2017.
A panel, consisting of Mr Ashraf Mahomed and Ms Nomfundo Walaza, has been appointed by the University of the Free State (UFS) to investigate/review the handling of student protests on the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses by private security companies during October 2017.
Mr Ashraf Mahomed is an attorney and director at Ashraf Mahomed Attorneys in Cape Town. He specialises in constitutional law, administrative law, public law, alternative dispute resolution (including mediation, arbitration, negotiation and facilitation), and land reform law. Mr Mahomed serves as a board member of the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights at the University of the Western Cape, as well as the Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education. He recently completed his second term as President of the Cape Law Society (CLS).
Ms Nomfundo Walaza is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the human rights field for the past two decades. For the past nine years, she has served as the CEO of the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre and also served for 11 years as the Executive Director of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. Ms Walaza is currently the Executive Director of PeaceSystems – a civil-society organisation that supports the development of sustainable institutions and systems that prevent, manage, and resolve conflict in African societies.
This is an independent panel, which was requested by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS on behalf of the UFS Executive, and supported by the President of the Central Student Representative Council on behalf of the student body.
Submissions by students and staff are awaited and can be submitted as follows:
1. Written submissions
The deadline for written submissions has been extended to 12:00 on Wednesday 15 November 2017. Submissions can be sent to news@ufs.ac.za.
2. Oral submissions
The panel will visit the campuses as follows to receive oral submissions:
Bloemfontein Campus:
Monday 13 November 2017
Time: 09:00-17:00
Venue: SRC Chambers, Steve Biko Building
Kindly confirm attendance of the sessions by contacting Ms Rochelle Ferreira at +27 51 401 9808 or FerreiraR1@ufs.ac.za by 14:00 on Friday 10 November 2017.
Qwaqwa Campus:
Tuesday 14 November 2017
Time: 09:00-17:00
Venue: Senate Hall, Intsika Building
Kindly confirm attendance of the sessions by contacting Ms Thabile Zuma at +27 58 718 5094 or ZumaMT@ufs.ac.za by 14:00 on Friday 2017.
Enquiries can be directed to Mr JC van der Merwe at vdmjc@ufs.ac.za.
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393