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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

Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences introduces a new undergraduate programme in Biokinetics
2016-06-10

Description: Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences  Tags: Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences
launched the B Biokenetics programme,
which will be offered at the UFS from 2017.
Photo: Supplied

Bio + Kinetics = Life + Movement = life through movement

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, now within the Faculty of Health Sciences School of Allied Health Professions, launched their new undergraduate programme in Biokinetics. The Bachelor of Biokinetics programme will be presented in its new format at the University of the Free State’s Bloemfontein Campus from 2017.

Biokinetics is the Science of Movement and the application of exercise in the rehabilitative treatment of performance, while its primary function is to improve physical functioning and health care through exercise as modality. The profession is concerned with health promotion, the maintenance of physical abilities, and final-phase rehabilitation by means of scientifically-based physical activity programme prescription.

The department has an exceptional multi-disciplinary team of lecturers and support staff with years of experience in Biokinetics, Sport Science, Kinderkinetics, as well as Sport and Recreation Management.

Admission to the programme is subject to selection and is based on academic potential and the extent and level of activity, in addition to that prescribed by academic curricula.

The closing date for applications is 30 August 2016.

For full details regarding selection criteria and applications, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences Facebook page or visit the faculty webpage.

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