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Redefining the future of international student policies

07 April 2025 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

International student symposium — Seithati Ramonaheng at the International Students Policy Review Symposium, where she contributed to discussions on policy alignment and student experiences.

Seithati Ramonaheng, who supports International Students Administration, Immigration, and Medical Aid in the University of the Free State (UFS) Office for International Affairs, was recently invited to attend the International Students Policy Review Symposium hosted by the Vaal University of Technology.

A platform for change

According to Ramonaheng, the symposium was more than just a platform for discussion; it was a catalyst for change in how South African universities and policy makers address the challenges and opportunities of international education. “By engaging diverse stakeholders and thoroughly reviewing both the legal and institutional frameworks, the symposium aimed to contribute significantly to the creation of inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for international students in South Africa,” she said. During the event, she also presented on the inconsistencies between the Immigration Act and the practices.

In her presentation, Ramonaheng shared findings from data collected across various institutions, which closely aligned with the experiences of international students at the symposium. These students highlighted the challenges they face when applying for study visas. Additionally, recommendations were put forward to help ease these difficulties.

She continued, saying that it was inspiring to connect with other professionals and gain new perspectives that she believes will be beneficial to their team in the UFS Office for International Affairs. The symposium brought together key voices in international education, including Advocate Sipho Mantula, a human rights lawyer from the Thabo Mbeki School at UNISA; Rudy Petersen, a strategic manager at UJ; and Segomotso Phetlhu, managing director of the International Students African Union (ISAU). Student leaders from the University of Venda, UJ, and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University also participated in the discussions.

Improving the student experience

International students from Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho shared their experiences and proposed ways for higher education institutions and the Department of Home Affairs to improve the international student experience.

Ramonaheng found the symposium to be a valuable experience that allowed her to get a deeper understanding of international students’ experiences as a whole. She looks forward to applying her insights within the UFS Office for International Affairs to further support international students. She will also contribute to the scholarship of internationalisation by publishing research that documents the immigration experiences of international students.

News Archive

SRC Consultation desk

2015-04-20

In an era where woman are consistently escalating up the echelons of power, this universal phenomenon is also making waves on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State. As different citizens would recognise First lady Michelle Obama, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nations Ambassador Angelina Jolie, so it is also with Student Representative Council Secretary General, Dineo Motaung. She is among a handful of ladies within the student leadership who cherish her responsibilities diligently for the interests of human beings.

The SRC Consultation Desk is an official space created by the office of the Secretary General, aimed at being of service to students alongside the students’ academic pursuit. Inspired by Ubuntu, meaning ‘I am what I am because of who we are’ comes the task of cultivating and nurturing the essence of who we are, through constructive and honest dialogue between students and the university staff. It is by talking to one another that we will establish an environment that permeates our uniqueness and pollinates our consciousness with awareness that would cause us to act in unison in propagating the vision of the university.

Toward this end, the Secretary General has commissioned two SRC members to various stations every Monday and Wednesday, to interact with both students and staff. Please find the schedule reflected below. It is hoped that through this engagement, problems will not simply be identified, but that practical and feasible solutions will be offered.

“Through the SRC Consultation Desk I hope to see the manifestation and spirit of Ubuntu on campus by the time my term ends. With all that said, I am available for any concerns,” said Motaung.

Monday 20 April 2015, 12:00-13:00

SRC Accessibility and Student Support: Louzanne Coetzee

Station: Thakaneng Bridge

Wednesday 23 April 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Media, Marketing & Laison: Lethabo Maebana

Station: New Computer Labs (Entrance door)

Wednesday 29 April 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Student Development and Environmental Affairs: Victor Ngubeni

Station: Sasol Library (Opposite Deli)

Monday 4 May 2015, 14:00-15:00

SRC Secretary General Dineo Motaung

Station: Amphitheatre

Wednesday 6 May 2015

SRC Student Media: Masingi Sam

Station: Sasol Library (close to Deli)

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