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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.
Golden Key International Honour Society swells it ranks with Kovsie students
2013-08-28
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Golden Key honorary member, Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, with Stefan Gericke, Chapter Relations Officer of Golden Key International Honour Society.
Photo: Sonia Small
28 August 2013 |
Kovsie students continue to swell the ranks of the world’s biggest academic honour society, the Golden Key International Honour Society, with more than 500 students from the university becoming new members.
The UFS chapter of the society – who only welcomes the top 15% of academic students at the university – inducted the new members at a ceremony held on Saturday 24 August 2013 on the Bloemfontein Campus.
In addition, the organisation also pays recognition to those who act as role models to these students. Thus, the organisation also inducted Profs Odireleng Ntwaeaborwa, Dave Lubbe, Dennis Francis, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and executive chairperson of Richmark, Gavin Varejes as honorary members.
Prof Dave Lubbe delivered the keynote speech entitled “From intellectual leader to real leader – few ideas”, structuring his talk around five key points: wisdom, basics, over specialization, ethnical leadership and courage.
“The society aims to make students realise their potential and create a network for excelling students,” said Mbavhalelo Rammbwa; Golden Key UFS Chapter president.
Parents from as far as Limpopo came to show appreciation for their children’s dedication to their studies. “I am really happy not only for my daughter, but for every single student who has been inaugurated to the society this morning for their discipline, hard work and the dedication they show their studies. I thank Prof Jonathan Jansen, the lectures and academics for inspiring our children to study and make the most of the opportunity which we didn’t have,” said Mpho Mohoje, a parent of one of the students at the induction.
Another feather in the university's cap is the fact that UFS registrar, Dr Derek Swemmer is not only co-advisor of the chapter, but also the chairperson of the society’s international governing body.