Latest News Archive

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

Increasing safety measures
2012-06-07

 

Safe at Kovsies are from the left: Thando Tuta, Roosmaryn Residence; Elizca Jacobs, Soetdoring Residence; and Phumudzo Rammbwa, Kestell Residence.
Photo: Johan Roux
07 June 2012

The University of the Free State is blowing the whistle on crime - literally. To increase safety on its campuses, the university presented whistles to female students in residences on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Students can blow the whistles when they are in danger to alert those nearby. Security personnel patrolling the campus will be alerted by the whistles if assistance is needed.

“We will do everything to keep you safe,” Prof. Jonathan Jansen told residence primes and committee members who collected the whistles on behalf of their residences. “Safety is not something we take for granted”, Prof. Jansen said, informing them that the campus is one of the safest in the country.

Other safety measures the university has undertaken include the installation of more than 30 red poles across the entire campus. Each of these red poles is fitted with a panic button that can be activated to summon help. .Should a student or staff member feel unsafe, all they have to do is press the button and cameras, which are installed in the vicinity, will focus on the pole and Protection Services will send assistance.

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