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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

FASSET funding bid secures R54 million for black accounting students
2015-08-28

The Centre for Accounting in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences has made great strides with its INTRABAS projects, which support the development of black student enrolment and performance in Accounting Studies.

Recently, the university won four bids that have secured R54 million in funding from the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) for 2016.  This funding will  support the teaching and learning initiatives of 960 black accounting students enrolling for the following four accounting programmes: BAcc, BCom(Acc), BAcc(Hons)/PGDipCA and BCom(Hons in Acc)/PGDipGA.The benefit to these students is the envisaged increase in throughput rates by 10% from year- to- year until the Honours year.  This covers tuition fees, text books, and extra tutorials, including autumn, winter and spring boot camps.

“FASSET funding will give the Centre for Accounting an opportunity to strengthen our current student-centered teaching model” said Prof Hentie van Wyk, Programme Director: Training of Accountants at the UFS.

The Centre for Accounting has a “1” accreditation grading from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), and has achieved an 80% average success rate over the past three years in the Initial Test of Competency (ITC) of SAICA.

Download the application form for FASSET funding or collect one at the Centre for Accounting at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.  The closing date for applications is 31 October 2015.

For more information, contact Dirkelien de Beer on +27(0)51 401 3688 debeerdb@ufs.ac.za /Prof Hentie van Wyk vanwykha@ufs.ac.za

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