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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

Drama students awarded National Arts Council bursaries
2016-05-04

Description: Drama students awarded National Arts Council bursaries  Tags: Drama students awarded National Arts Council bursaries

The National Arts Council (NAC) has awarded R100 000 to 10 Drama students at the University of the Free State (UFS). Eight years after its establishment in 2005, the NAC has partnered our university in funding academically-deserving students needing assistance with tuition. To date, our undergraduate students have benefitted from more than R800 000.

Prof Nico Luwes, Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, who applies to the NAC at the end of each year on behalf of students, welcomes the funds: “Quite a lot of our students would not have been able to complete their studies without assistance from the bursary scheme.”

As a result of this financial injection, South African schools also gain. “Some students then enrol for a higher education diploma, and they then teach Arts and Culture at schools. Hence, there is a whole new generation of Arts and Culture teachers who are now entering the school system,” said Prof Luwes.

Mbuyiselo Nqodi, a second-year BA Drama and Theatre Arts student, would not have been able to enrol at the university in 2015, had it not been for the NAC.  “Without the bursary, I would not have been admitted into the university. It helped a lot because R10 000 can go a long way.”

Pursuing its mandate to support and develop South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sector, the NAC awarded 117 bursaries to arts students and tertiary institutions for the year.  A total of R5 million has been allocated for 2016, a 10% increase on the previous financial year.

According to the NAC Chief Executive Officer, Rosemary Mangope, one of the aims of the NAC is to provide support to students who will contribute to the arts and culture industry in a meaningful and sustainable manner.

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