Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items

Rising star: Siyaphumelela ATD DREAM Scholar runner-up

17 October 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied

Sibahle Mabaso, a talented and driven individual, has been making waves at the University of the Free State (UFS). As a runner-up in the prestigious Siyaphumelela ATD DREAM Scholar programme, Mabaso's dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed.

A multi-faceted student, Mabaso excelled in both her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. A graduate of the UFS Drama and Theatre Arts programme, Mabaso's academic pursuits have been as diverse as her interests. She has a BA in Drama and Theatre Arts (2019-2021), a BA Honours in Drama and Theatre Arts (2022), and she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts with specialisation in Gender Studies. Her passion for the arts is evident in her work as a playwright, director, and educator. Mabaso is currently an Assistant Researcher in Transition, Development and Success within the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Mabaso's journey to academic success has been marked by resilience and perseverance. Despite facing challenges, she has overcome obstacles through hard work, determination, and the support of mentors.

Beyond her academic achievements, Mabaso is committed to giving back to her community. She recently founded a creative enterprise called Wild Geese PTY LTD, which aims to provide opportunities for young creatives. Through her work, Mabaso hopes to inspire and mentor others, sharing her experiences and knowledge to help them reach their full potential.

As Mabaso continues her academic journey and pursues her career goals, her dedication and passion for both her studies and community engagement are sure to inspire others. Her achievements serve as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Looking ahead, Mabaso hopes to continue her academic pursuits and pursue a career in higher education. She is also passionate about giving back to her community and mentoring young people. With her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit, there is no doubt that Sibahle Mabaso will continue to achieve great things.

News Archive

First-year wellbeing a top priority at Harmony residence

2017-06-07

Ladies from the House Harmony, a unique residence
that focuses on first-years’ experience.
Photo: Supplied

A unique residence that focuses on first-years’ experience, is exactly what Harmony sets out to provide for all first-year students at the University of the Free State.

A residence focusing on mentoring

Entering the adult world can be a daunting experience, but Harmony, unlike other residences on campus, focuses on mentoring. Harmony came to life in 2014 and has assisted many first-years in adapting to the university environment.

According to Pulane Malefane, Residence Head of House Harmony, they have witnessed a significant change in the pass rate of first-year students. “We have realised that first-years gain confidence much quicker than in other residences where they still need to find their way around seniors,” she says.

Adapting to the varsity environment

Harmony makes use of a Residence Assistants (RA) system, not Residence Committees (RC). The RA stay in corridors with their mentees in order to have close contact with them. An RA’s primary role is to be a mentor to first-years and also expose them to different co-curriculum activities on campus. They assist them in adapting to the varsity environment quicker, so as to be able to focus and concentrate on their academics.

Nicole Rabe, RA First-years, says the Harmony belles never cease to amaze her. “Watching these first-years grow from the high school girls that arrived at the start of this year, to the independent women they are now, has truly been a blessing.”

Malefane mentions that they intentionally try to place students from one faculty in the same corridor. In that way, mentors and residence assistants are in close proximity to them. “We have study rooms in each and every corridor of Harmony, making it easy for students to study close to their rooms at any time,” she says.

Phathutshodzo Nekhavanmbe, a first-year LLB student, says she could not have asked for a better house to be placed in. “The Harmony experience has been great so far, as the people living there are approachable and eager to lend a helping hand.”

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept