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04 August 2025 | Story Office for International Affairs | Photo Supplied
Friendship Day
The Umoja Buddy Programme, in collaboration with the SASUF student forum, celebrated International Friendship Day by spreading joy and connection across the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.
On July 30, the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) came alive with vibrant energy, laughter, and heartfelt moments as students and staff gathered to celebrate the United Nations International Friendship Day. The event served as a joyful reminder of the importance of human connection, kindness, and our shared humanity. 
 
What began as a global observance was transformed into a lively campus celebration - a day to embrace and honour the friendships that enrich our lives. It was a colourful testament to the idea that beyond our titles, cultures, and backgrounds, we are all connected through our need for one another.  

Hosted by the Umoja Buddy Programme (UBP) in collaboration with the UFS South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF) student structure, the celebration embraced the theme of “friendship through jellybeans” – a creative symbol of diversity, empathy, and connection. Jellybeans, each unique in colour and flavour, were used as metaphors for how our differences enrich our relationships and communities.  

As Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, reflected in her installation speech: “The irreplaceable heart of the UFS is our people. In an age of artificial intelligence and rapid change, fostering human connection is more vital than ever. Every initiative we undertake must serve the holistic development of our students, not only in technical skills, but in nurturing a sense of belonging, care, and community.”

One of the day’s highlights was the heartfelt reflections from the students who participated in the event.  

Lesego Moeleso, a second-year student in BA Governance and Political Transformation  and a SASUF member, shared:  
“Celebrating International Friendship Day helped me to grow as a person. It made me more comfortable interacting with fellow students on campus and brought joy to those who needed it. Seeing someone smile after our interaction – knowing I helped make their day better – was a great feeling. 

More events like this are needed. Many students are going through a lot and need a moment to reset and clear their minds. These initiatives allow us to connect with others and show them they’re not alone – we’re here for each other. 

Friendships are important to me because they help me grow. They give me people to fall back on, to relax with when I’m down, without the fear of being judged.” 

Orapeleng Lenkoane, a second-year Bachelor of Laws student, echoed these sentiments: 
“Friendship means having someone you can trust, lean on, and confide in – someone who’s always there. Trust is the foundation of any lasting friendship. 

I loved the idea that students had to share a pack of jellybeans rather than receiving individual ones. It encouraged interaction and created opportunities to reconnect and appreciate our friendships. These moments matter, especially since we rarely take time to celebrate the people who walk beside us.”

 

A sweet initiative with a deeper purpose 

The student’s words reflected the deeper impact of the initiative: small gestures that promote student well-being, resilience, and success -  all of which align with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4(Quality Education). 

The celebration also showcased the university’s commitment to internationalisation through the work of the Office of International Affairs (OIA), which continues to champion intercultural exchange and foster global friendships across borders. 

As part of the celebration, students received jellybean packets adorned with uplifting messages, including: 

  • “A true friend is like a jellybean – colourful in spirit, and always there when you need a little sweetness.”
  • “Life is better with friends ... and a bag of jellybeans to laugh over.”
  • “Some friends are like red jellybeans – everyone’s favourite, always sweet, and hard to let go.”
  • “Your support for internationalisation is a reminder that universities can be places of peace, empathy, and friendship. Happy International Friendship Day from the OIA to the visionary Rectorate of the UFS!” 
Through this joyful event, the UBP and SASUF student forum reminded the university community that friendship is not only worth celebrating – it is essential for building an inclusive and compassionate campus where everyone belongs. 

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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