Latest News Archive

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

Head of International Scholarships selected for prestigious US International Visitor Leadership Programme

03 September 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli

Mbali Moiketsi, Head of International Scholarships, Marketing, and Web Content in the University of the Free State’s (UFS’s) Office for International Affairs, has been selected to participate in the prestigious US International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP). The programme, which runs from 13 September to 7 October 2024, is a significant professional exchange initiative, with participants nominated by US embassies globally rather than applying directly.

“Being selected for the IVLP represents a remarkable milestone that fills me with pride and a sense of accomplishment,” Moiketsi said in reaction to her selection.

The IVLP focuses on fostering partnerships between African universities and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Moiketsi outlined key objectives, including establishing long-term collaborations that extend beyond the programme and exchanging best practices in various areas such as university administration and community engagement. “Through this programme, sustainable long-term partnerships will be ensured, to provide mutual benefits for African universities and HBCUs,” she said.

Moiketsi said these partnerships will enhance global recognition of both African universities and HBCUs. She plans to implement specific initiatives during her IVLP experience, such as identifying research interests that align with both institutions' strengths and needs, and establishing connections with key stakeholders. “I aim to encourage a partnership between UFS and HBCUs and identify grants and scholarships to support these initiatives,” she explained.

She cited the collaboration between Howard University and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town as exemplifying a successful existing partnership, one that has led to faculty exchanges and joint research projects over the past decade. “This partnership has yielded joint publications and shared conferences, serving as a model for internationalisation at UFS.”

Moiketsi believes international partnerships can significantly enrich students’ academic and cultural experiences. She emphasised the importance of exchange programmes that include cultural immersion and exposure to diverse teaching styles.

Ultimately, she hopes her involvement in the IVLP will result in enhanced opportunities for students at the UFS and contribute to a broader culture of collaboration among African universities, primarily by expanding access to higher education through scholarship programmes and collaborative initiatives.

“I hope to foster strong international research collaborations and strengthen processes through the adoption of best practices,” she concluded.

News Archive

UFS hosts the biggest HIV/AIDS event in its history

2007-10-05

The Chief Directorate: Community Service at the University of the Free State (UFS), in partnership with the Free State Department of Education, will host the biggest HIV/AIDS focus event in the history of the university.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 10 October 2007 on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein and the theme will be: Management of HIV/AIDS in the Workplace.

According to the Chief Director of Community Service at the UFS, the Rev Kiepie Jaftha, this event forms part of a wider role of his directorate to raise the level of awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS within the university and the higher education sector in South Africa. It will also enhance the executive management’s buy-in and ownership of this role and incorporate the flow of HIV/AIDS information and activities into the core business of the UFS.

The focus will be on getting the executive management, middle management, aspiring managers and those who are affected by the decisions of the management, on board in the university’s endeavour to manage and create HIV/AIDS awareness in the workplace.

Most importantly, community members will also form an essential part of this event as the UFS strives to get them also involved in HIV/AIDS education and awareness.

“We hope to release the valve of denialism and stir the excitement amongst people, to encourage them to get involved in creating awareness within their workplaces, institutions and society,” said the Rev Jaftha.

To that effect, the Director of the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at the University of Stellenbosch, Prof. Jan du Toit, will deliver a keynote address. There will also be a mini-musical production called Lucky, the Hero, directed by the well-known stage performer and director of Educational Theatre and creative arts for the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management, Prof. Jimmie Earl Perry.

The 25 tables for the event have been sold at a cost of R1 500 each and the beneficiaries thereof will be a local non-governmental organization (NGO), namely the Lebone Land Care Centre. The UFS has a long-standing relationship with the Lebone Land Care Centre, where students are sent as part of the implementation of their community service learning modules to enhance their practical skills. Now the university intends to formalise this partnership.

“I admire the holistic manner of approach the Lebone Land Care Centre uses towards caring for people who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and the way they make people realise that they can still live a meaningful life and add dignity and value to society,” enthused Rev Jaftha.

The NGO will also receive an award from Spar, one of the biggest supermarket groups in South Africa.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@mail.ufs.ac.za
04 October 2007

Back

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

Health Sciences

The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

Open Distance Learning

Business School

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