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25 September 2024 | Story Teboho Mositi | Photo Ian van Straaten
Qwaqwa Mokete 2024
The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus celebrated diversity as the Academy of Multilingualism recently hosted the Kovsies Multilingual Mokete, themed: ‘Our Diversity is Our Strength.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus pulsed with vibrant energy on 13 September 2024 as the Academy of Multilingualism hosted its annual Kovsies Multilingual Mokete. This year's theme, ‘Our Diversity is Our Strength’, resonated throughout the day, celebrating the richness of languages and cultures within the UFS community.

The event served as a platform for students and staff to showcase their diverse heritages through traditional attire, poetry, storytelling, drama, music, and dance. A delectable spread of cultural cuisine further enriched the experience, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Promoting inclusivity and multilingualism

The Mokete aligns with the UFS' multilingual language policy, implemented in 2016. This policy emphasises the importance of fostering inclusivity and social cohesion through language. It aims to create a dynamic learning environment that celebrates the diverse languages spoken within the UFS community.

In her welcome address, the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, said the University of the Free State took a significant step in 2016 towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse campus by adopting a multilingual language policy. This policy recognised the importance of embracing multilingualism as a social asset and aimed to promote social cohesion, diversity, and inclusivity. “The Mokete Multilingual Festival serves as a tangible manifestation of this commitment. It provides a platform for all members of our UFS community to celebrate and appreciate the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and traditions that we bring to our university. By showcasing our diverse languages, indigenous food, traditional outfits, and more, we not only honour our individual heritage but also strengthen our sense of belonging and unity,” explained Dr Ngubane.

The Mokete is more than just a cultural event; it is a purposeful act of embracing our diversity and educating one another about the value of multilingualism. Through this celebration, we strive to create a more inclusive and cohesive campus where everyone feels valued and respected.

"We want everyone to feel welcome on our campuses," stated Teboho Manchu, Campus Vice-Principal: Support Services, during his opening address. "The Mokete allows each culture and language group to learn from one another, preparing our students for a multilingual and multicultural world, while staying connected to their own heritage."

A celebration of talent and cultural expression

The day unfolded with heart-warming moments of appreciation. Manchu extended his gratitude to distinguished guests, colleagues, and students. The highlight of the event was Ntate Stunna, a captivating Sesotho musician who energised the audience with his music. Local artists Bomme ba Ipopeng and Tears of Joy also contributed to the electrifying atmosphere. Their performances, alongside the diverse cultural presentations, fostered a sense of pride and identity within the UFS community.

A commitment to a language-rich environment

The Kovsies Multilingual Mokete exemplifies the UFS' commitment to multilingualism. By celebrating diverse languages and cultures, the university fosters a sense of belonging and prepares its students for success in a globalised world.

News Archive

UFS academic appointed as team doctor for SA Olympic Team
2012-03-22

 

Dr Holtzhausen’s appointment reflects well on the quality of exercise and sports medicine presented at the university.
20 March 2012

Dr Louis Holtzhausen, Head of the university’s Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, has been selected by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) as team doctor for the more than 300 athletes that will represent South Africa at this year’s Olympic Games in London.

“This is definitely one of the most important highlights of my career, in which I’ve worked with professional athletes and top sporting people,” says Dr Holtzhausen, a recognised South African academic in Sports Medicine.

“It is not only an honour to be appointed as team doctor for the South African Olympic Team. It is also a privilege to represent the UFS. The fact that Sascoc approached me reflects well on the quality of exercise and sports medicine that we present here at the university,” says Dr Holtzhausen.

Dr Holtzhausen says he has already worked with some of the athletes in the Olympic Team. These include members of the South African boxing team, the hockey team, as well as track and field athletes that have been preparing for the Olympic Games at the university’s High Performance Unit.

There is, however, hard work ahead for Dr Holtzhausen. His work will start before the team leaves for London in July. “I have to ensure that all the athletes are healthy and that everyone’s immunisation programmes are up to date. We also have to ensure that no athlete takes banned substances,” he says.

During the Games, Dr Holtzhausen will keep an eye on the optimal functioning of every athlete. “Anything that could hamper them medically will be sorted – whether it’s a broken ankle or a cold,” he says.

He will also see to it that medical services are available during the competition. Immediate medical assistance will be available, especially at high contact sports like boxing.

Dr Holtzhausen has also been team doctor for Team South Africa at the All Africa Games, the biggest sporting event in Africa. He was recently appointed as a member of the International Committee and Coordinator for Africa of the worldwide Exercise is Medicine project. This project proposes that exercise be used in the prevention of chronic disease in the general population, as well as in the treatment of people with existing chronic diseases. Dr Holtzhausen is also an honorary member of the South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA). This membership is awarded to members of the medical and scientific community who make significant contributions to the advancement of sports medicine.

Dr Holtzhausen is a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme.
The goal with the Prestige Scholars Programme is to select no more than 100 of the most promising young scholars (typically holding lecturer status) and to make substantial investments in their development towards the professoriate. A tailored, intensive programme of support has been designed which combines international placement working alongside leading scholars in the discipline of the prestige scholar, with intensive mentorship and support from within the university.

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