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24 July 2025 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Supplied
Mandela Day event at Heidedal Child and Youth Centre
Attending the Mandela Day event at Heidedal Child and Youth Centre, from left to right: Prof Joseph Pali, Associate Professor in the Department of Practical and Missional Theology; Bishop Billyboy Ramahlele, Director of Community Engagement; Jeannet Molopyane, Director of UFS Library and Information Services; Prof John Klaasen, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion; Caroline Nombula, Heidedal Child and Youth Care Centre; and Kegomodicwe Phuthi, Assistant Director for Marketing and Community Engagement at UFS Library and Information Services.
In a powerful display of its commitment to societal transformation, the University of the Free State (UFS) marked Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July with a collaborative outreach initiative at the Heidedal Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC). 

Driven by the theme of empowerment through education and creativity, the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Library and Information Services (LIS), Community Engagement Office, School of Financial Planning Law, and UFS Makerspace partnered to officially launch a library at the centre – a milestone aimed at fostering a love of reading and academic development among the youth.

Jeanette Molopyane, Director of LIS, emphasised the lasting impact of the project. “The establishment of this library is about making a meaningful and enduring difference in the lives of these children. Through regular interaction with books and the reading club, we aim to inspire a love for reading that will enhance intellectual growth, build confidence, and open doors to a brighter future,” she said. 

Molopyane added that the initiative reflects UFS’s broader mission to empower communities and support the development of future leaders beyond the borders of its campuses. 

Prof John Klaasen, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, underscored the importance of engaged scholarship in meaningful research. “This was not just a day of service but a demonstration of what is possible through collaboration. It reflects a theology and religion that serves beyond the classroom and affirms our collective role in shaping a better future for all,” he noted. “Mandela Day reminds us of our calling to reconciliation, compassion, and shared responsibility – values that must anchor our teaching, research, and outreach.”

The initiative left a profound impression on the Heidedal CYCC. Carolina Nombula, representing the Centre, shared the gratitude of the staff and children: “Mandela Day brought a deep sense of joy, belonging, and dignity. The library, especially, is life-changing – it provides a safe, inspiring space for learning, imagination, and personal growth. It reminds our children that they matter, their dreams are valid, and they are not forgotten.”

Through collaborative efforts such as this, the UFS continues to give tangible expression to its mandate as a caring institution – one that champions opportunity, nurtures potential, and works towards a more equitable and inclusive society. 

News Archive

Global Leadership Summit takes a look at Higher Education in the South African context
2012-07-10

Since 1994 South Africa has achieved a lot in making higher education accessible to South Africans, but challenges still face us daily.

This was the message of a lecture by Dr Lis Lange, Senior Director at the Directorate for Institutional Research and Academic Planning (DIRAP) today at the Global Leadership Summit at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Dr Lange’s lecture focused on the Higher Education and Leadership for Change in South Africa.

In her lecture Dr Lange said in 1994 about 525 000 students, of which 47% were white students, enrolled in South African universities. White youth participation in South Africa was also far higher at 70% comparing to the 9% participation by African youth.

Dr Lange found that eighteen years into democracy, about 900 000 students enrol in South African universities of which the majority is African students. The number of female students also increased greatly.

“In general, youth participation in South Africa remains low. This is still more prevalent among African youth. We also experience a high drop-out rate in South African institutions of higher education.”

Dr Lange delivered this lecture on Monday as part of a series of conversations taking place at the UFS during the Global Leadership Summit. About 160 student and staff delegates are attending this summit and will take part in various critical dialogues. 

Economic and Management Sciences

Education

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The Humanities

Law

Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

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