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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

Shimlas & Kovsie Netball reign at SASSU 2007
2007-07-25

Various sporting codes of the University of the Free State (UFS) participated in the SASSU tournaments over the past June/July holidays.

 

 
Shimlas

Rugby:
The Shimlas won their first game against Walter Sisulu University (Buffalo City) 69–0. The game was stopped 20 minutes before the end.

In their second game, the Shimlas won UJ 24-20.

The Shimlas won the final match against Pukke with a convincing 28-13. 

 Hockey:
The UFS woman’s team ended 6th in die A division
The UFS men’s team ended 5th in die B division

Squash:
The UFS men’s team ended 5th in the A division
The UFS woman’s team ended 1st in the B division

Karate:
Johann Rourke – 1st – Men above 80kg Kumite
Deidre West – 1st – Ladies open Kata Section
3rd – Ladies above 60kg in Kumite

Cross Country:
Women 4km – 2nd (Esté de jager came in 2nd)
Men 4km – 2nd (Boy Soke came in 1st)
Women Road Relay – 4th
Men Road Relay – 1st

The teams were as follow:
Esté de Jager
Thandi Malindi
Rone Reyneke

Boy Soke
Johan Cronjé
Michael Tlhoro
Dumisane Hlaselo

Netball:
Won the tournament.

Compiled by
Ansu Colditz
KovsieSport: Sports Officer
 

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