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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

Shimlas have a bunch of fighters for a tough week, says Scholtz

2016-03-18

Scrumhalf Zee Mkhabela is one of the senior Shimla players who will have to help his team play three Varsity Cup matches within a week. Photo: Christaan Kotzé/SASPA

Luckily, he has a bunch of fighters in his rugby group to take on the week ahead, which is almost like a USSA rugby week with a lot of matches in a row.

This is what Hendro Scholtz, the Shimla coach, had to say about the upcoming Varsity Cup week, with his team playing three games within a week. His team will play against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on 21 March 2016, after which they will face Maties in Cape Town on 24 March 2016, and then take on Pukke in the Mother City on 28 March 2016.

The schedule for the Varsity Cup series had to be adapted due to the recent unrest on campuses across South Africa.

According to Scholtz, the versatility of his players and the attitude of the University of the Free State (UFS) rugby team counts in their favour for the week that lies ahead. Several of the Shimla players can play in more than one position.

The Shimlas will travel with a group of 29 players, and will, after their match in the City of Gold, fly directly to Cape Town for their other two league matches.

“We will take six extra players (other than the 23-man squad) with us,” Scholtz said.

“One should select a group for this week that can fight, hang in there, and are able to play another match or two. It is like a USSA week where you need fighters.”

Prop Chase Morison, who was given a red card against the Central University of Technology in Johannesburg on 14 March 2016, wasn't sighted, and is available to play again. The Shimlas are still unbeaten after winning 10-9 against CUT in the FNB Stadium. Flyhalf Pieter-Steyn de Wet, who missed the game against CUT due to an injury, will be able to play against UJ.

The Kovsie Young Guns and Vishuis, the residence representative for the UFS, will also play a couple of matches in the coming week.

Fixtures:

Shimlas: 21 March: Shimlas v UJ (FNB Stadium); 24 March: Maties v Shimlas (Cape Town Stadium); 28 March: Puk v Shimlas (Cape Town Stadium).

Kovsie Young Guns: 19 March: Kovsie Young Guns v UJ (Rand Stadium); 24 March: Puk v Kovsie Young Guns (Rand Stadium).

Vishuis: 24 March: Vishuis tv Harlequins (NMMU, Rand Stadium); 26 March: Mopanie tv Vishuis (Tuks, (Wanderers Rugby Club); 28 March: Oppierif v Vishuis (UJ, FNB Stadium).

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