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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

UFS acknowledge 53 for long service
2004-11-03

Long service awards for 35 years: Mrs. Christa du Plessis, Centre for Higher Education studies and Development, mnr. John Moorosi, Soil- and Crop- and Climate Sciences , prof. Frederick Fourie, rector, prof. Jopie Botha, Institute for Groundwater Studies, me. Susan Reineke, Plant Sciences, Dr. Sarie van Vuuren of Sociology and me. Aletta de Klerk, Kovsie Sport.

Fifty three personnel members received long service awards in the centenary year of the university for respectively 35 years of service and 25 years of service.

Prof. Frederick Fourie, Rector, said to the recipients of the long service awards: “In a year in which the writing of history of the UFS took a prominent place in the Centenary celebrations and in which one relived the past hundred years, the value we add to the university on a daily basis is clearly visible. Many personnel members contributed to make the UFS a valued institution and will proceed to do that in the spirit of 100+.”

He thanked and acknowledged personnel for the plus they add to each day’s work. “The students which enter the UFS each year, want to thank you for an university which on an innovative manner impacted their lives. “You helped to create the building blocks for their future,” he said.

Prof. J. F. Botha, Mr M.G. Botha, Ms A. De Klerk, Mr M.J. Doman, Prof. H.C. Janse van Rensburg and Ms S.M.C. Reinecke received awards for 35 years of service.

For 25 years of service at the university Prof. S.L. Barnard, Mr B. Botma, Dr H. J. Breytenbach, Dr M.W. Brussow, Mr N.L. Combrink, Ms A.J. Du Plessis, Ms C. Du Plessis, Prof. L. Goedhals, Mr M.E. Hlazo, Prof. B.B. Hoek, Dr S.J.E. Janse van Vuuren, Mr M. Kgasane, Ms A. Kgosi, Dr W.P. Konig, Dr P.A.L. Le Roux, Prof. N.J. Luwes, Dr N. Luyt, Ms S.E. November, Ms M. Mabaso, Ms M.K. Maruping, Prof. J.D. Marx, Mr J.P. Masedi, Mr G. Mokapane, Mr J. Mokapane, Ms M.L. Molosi, Ms M.M. Molwagale, Mr P.J. Moorosi, Ms C. Moroagae, Ms E. Moroale, Mr G.G. Mothokwane, Prof. M. Mulder, Prof. A.C. Otto, Ms H. Pelser, Ms E. Pelzer, Ms M.M. Pheko, Prof. E. Pretorius, Ms M.P. Richter, Ms E. Rouls, Prof. M.T. Seaman, Prof. R.B. Snowdowne, Prof. J.P. Strauss, Ms M.S. Tsolo, Prof. H.J. van der Linde, Dr S. van Vuuren, Prof. J.B. van Wyk, Dr J.M. van Zyl, Prof. T. Verschoor and Ms M.H.S. York received an long service award.

“Be assured of my appreciation for your loyalty and commitment to a university which is taking careful steps into a new century of its existence. If we do the right things right and with a sincere belief in our heavenly Father we will be able to build on the solid foundation laid by people like you,” he said.

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