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House Imperium reigns supreme at 2025 Spirit Cup

28 February 2025 | Story Onthatile Tikoe | Photo Ben Zwane

In an electrifying display of varsity spirit, House Imperium emerged victorious in not one, but two prestigious categories at the 2025 FTEN Athletics Spirit Cup for first-time entering students (FTENs). House Imperium took home top honours for both Best Day Residence and Best Co-Ed Residence for War Cries, solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with!

The Spirit Cup, an annual tradition that brings together students from various residences, is a celebration of camaraderie, creativity, and sheer enthusiasm. This year’s competition was fierce, with each house bringing their A-game to the table. However, Imperium’s unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion ultimately paid off.

“It felt fulfilling due to hard work and dedication from our members becoming fruitful in the end,” said an elated Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, Imperium Residence Head. “⁠The most memorable moment other than receiving the two trophies was watching the Griffins’ (House Imperium team members) winning spirit grow and ultimately seeing how united they were during the course of the event.”

House Imperium’s victory in the Best Day Residence category is a testament to the house’s exceptional teamwork and coordination. Their energetic performances, coupled with their impressive display of house pride, left judges and spectators alike in awe.

The Best Co-Ed Residence for War Cries award was a particularly sweet victory for Imperium, as it acknowledges the house’s ability to come together and produce a truly unforgettable experience, even amid adversity. “The biggest challenge we faced during the Spirit Cup was maintaining consistent participation from our members,” Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla added. “As a co-ed residence that prioritises the safety of our community, it became difficult to keep everyone involved as the night progressed. Unfortunately, the number of participants dwindled, preventing us from fully displaying our unity. However, given our commitment to ensuring the safety of our students, we understood the need for this and respected the decisions made."

As Imperium basks in the glory of their Spirit Cup triumph, the house remains committed to upholding the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit that have defined their journey. “The definition of Imperium is ‘absolute power’, and with its motto ‘Dum spiro spero’ being a Latin phrase that means ‘While I breathe, I hope’, that has and does and will continue to fuel our spirit in everything that we do.”

With their impressive Spirit Cup wins, House Imperium has undoubtedly cemented its status as a powerhouse in the world of day residences. As house members celebrate their achievements, they inspire their peers to strive for excellence and embody the spirit of friendly competition that defines the Spirit Cup!

News Archive

UFS Council wishes outgoing rector well

2008-09-05

Statement by Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the UFS Council

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) hereby expresses its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Prof. Frederick Fourie for his contribution to building and developing the UFS. His association with the UFS stretches over a period of 40 years – first as a student, later as a lecturer, dean, vice-rector and finally as rector and vice-chancellor.

When the University was operating at a loss during 2000 and it was in a financial crisis, he came up with a financial turn-around strategy which took the UFS out of this crisis to a position where it can annually spend considerable amounts on strategic projects. This led to large amounts being invested in the academia and especially research. As a result, the UFS’s research capacity and research equipment has been expanded. Since 2003 research outputs increased with about 50%, which is a great achievement for the UFS’s researchers and its faculties.

Progress was also made with diversity, the UFS’s balanced multilingualism policy in the academia as well as administration, employment equity, the transformation plan and the institutional charter. Under his leadership there was an upgrading and extension of the infrastructure, academic buildings and facilities as well as support services and student facilities.

Prof. Fourie has an excellent intellect and exceptional abilities which can still make a huge contribution to the improvement of the South African society. As a result of personal consideration and after 4 decades’ association with the UFS including 5 years in a leading position, Prof. Fourie decided to step down. The Council respects this decision and wishes him success and best wishes.

The process of appointing a new rector and vice-chancellor will follow the normal recruitment procedure of the UFS. In terms of this procedure a representative committee of Council, which includes all stakeholders of the UFS, will consider applications that are received.

Applications will be invited through an open and targeted process of recruitment advertising, locally, nationally and internationally to broaden the pool of applicants.

Within this process Council has expressed the view that applications from the designated groups in terms of Employment Equity must be encouraged.

It is also Council’s wish that this process be completed as soon as is possible, within the approved procedure.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
12 September 2008

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