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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 to host alumni from across the globe during Reunion Weekend 2015 – 28 to 29 August 2015
2015-07-10

The University of the Free State (UFS) will host alumni from across the globe on the Bloemfontein Campus during its Reunion Weekend 2015 from 28 - 29 August 2015.

Semi-structured social events will bring together classmates from similar eras. On Friday evening (28 August 2015), those who graduated from the university during the 60s and 70s will gather at the Centenary Complex, while those who graduated in the 80s and 90s will convene at the new Economic and Management Sciences foyer.

On Saturday evening, there will be a reception hosted by the senior leadership for alumni who have graduated since 2000 at the Economic and Management Sciences foyer.

Each gathering will have a short programme led by at least one member of those graduating classes, followed by an informal reception. All alumni are invited to attend the weekend’s activities. Click here for the programme of events or visit the alumni website for more information.

Celebrations will include a concert with Freshly Ground and the Muses as guest artists. Tickets will be sold through Computicket.

Proceeds will be donated to the No Student Hungry Bursary programme.

The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Award

In celebrating the achievements of alumni over the years, nominations have been invited for the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognises outstanding alumni who have demonstrated excellence through their academic or human achievements in their chosen areas of expertise and influence. Click here for the nomination form.

The Chancellor will present the alumni awards at a ceremony to be held during the Chancellor’s luncheon at the Centenary Complex on 29 August 2015 at 12:00.

Please note that the nomination deadline has been changed to 24 July 2015.

For further information, contact the UFS Alumni Office at +27(0)51 4019343 / email: alumni@ufs.ac.za

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