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UFS launches Co-Curricular Hub to drive student development and career readiness

30 June 2025 | Story Lebohang Motshweneng | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director in the Division of Student Affairs at the launch of the University of the Free State Co-Curricular Hub.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is spearheading a student-centred transformation through its dynamic and inclusive co-curricular programmes, aimed at equipping students for personal growth, leadership, and professional success. These intentionally structured, skill-building opportunities form a critical part of preparing future-ready graduates who are poised to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact.

The official launch of the UFS Co-Curricular Hub early this month at Awela Restaurant on the Bloemfontein Campus marked a significant milestone in advancing the university’s commitment to holistic student development. Organised by the Student Leadership Development office, the event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and inclusive learning that transcends traditional academic boundaries.

Purpose of the Co-Curricular Hub

The Co-Curricular Hub is designed to complement formal academic programmes by empowering students with a diverse range of skills and values essential for navigating an ever-evolving world.

“Co-curricular programs at the University of the Free State are integral to our mission of developing adaptable, socially responsible, and professionally prepared graduates. These initiatives extend learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to explore their potential, engage with their communities, and acquire real-world skills. It’s about shaping graduates who are not just academically competent but equipped to make a lasting impact wherever they go,” said Dr Wahl, Director for Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs.

Why get involved?

Participating in UFS co-curricular programmes offers students the opportunity to:

Strengthen academic and professional performance
Enhance employability and build professional networks
Improve emotional well-being and resilience
Engage in meaningful community service
Develop a well-rounded, impactful student profile

These programmes are intentionally aligned with the UFS graduate attributes, ensuring that students leave the university not only with academic qualifications but also as responsible, capable, and empowered individuals.

Explore your path - today!

The UFS Co-Curricular Hub is your launchpad to personal and professional growth. Whether your passion lies in innovation, inclusion, wellness, or leadership, there’s a programme tailored to your interests and goals.

Students are encouraged to connect with the following support units and initiatives:

Career Services
Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS)
Kovsie ACT
Engaged Scholarship
KovsieX
Peer Mentoring
Student Counselling and Development
Student Leadership Development

“At the University of the Free State, success isn’t just about academic performance—it’s about who you become along the way. Co-curricular programmes are not side activities; they’re a powerful part of your journey toward leadership, growth, and real-world impact. Whether you’re mentoring a peer, creating digital content, developing sustainable solutions, or building your self-confidence, every step you take outside the classroom helps shape your future. The Co-Curricular Hub is here to walk that journey with you—equipping, empowering, and elevating you to reach your full potential. Step out of the classroom. Step into your purpose. Your future starts here,” said René Pelser, Assistant Director: Student Life.

Reflections from leadership

“The Co-Curricular Hub is more than a platform - it is a movement. It reflects our deep commitment to shaping well-rounded, resilient, and socially conscious graduates. Through these programmes, we are investing in the whole student: intellectually, emotionally, professionally, and ethically. This is how we prepare leaders who are ready not only for the world of work, but also for the world at large,” said Dr Temba Hlasho, Executive Director for Student Affairs.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Student Life team, including Dr Wahl, Maleshoane Mofokeng, and René Pelser, and to all the offices involved - Career Services, CUADS, Engaged Scholarship, Kovsie ACT, KovsieX, Peer Mentoring, Student Counselling and Development, and Student Leadership Development. Your dedication, collaboration, and vision have brought this initiative to life, and your work continues to shape the future of our students in meaningful and lasting ways.”

News Archive

Multidisciplinary conference on TB control

2003-09-22

Theme: Tuberculosis control: a multidisciplinary approach to research, policy and practice Venue: CR Swart Auditorium, University of the Free State Campus, Bloemfontein Date: 11 and 12 November 2003 Time: 11 November, 19:00-20:30 AND 12 November 08:30-17:00

Tuesday, 11 November - 19:00-20:30 (registration from 18:30) and Wednesday, 12 November - 08:30-17:00 (registration from 07:30)

The Honourable MEC for Health in the Free State will officially open the Conference on the evening of 11 November, while Prof Frederick Fourie (Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State) will attend to the welcoming. In addition, Prof Françoise Portaels (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium) and Dr Refiloe Matji (National Department of Health, South Africa) will respectively present a global and a South African perspective on TB. The majority of the presentations will follow on 12 November.

Main thrust of Conference

The main thrust of the Conference is to disseminate both research results and policy/managerial matters relevant to TB and TB control, and to facilitate discourse among researchers and health policy makers/managers/practitioners in the field of TB control. Presenters of papers, as well as delegates are, therefore, drawn from both academic/research institutions, and from health service sectors involved in TB control in all provinces and in neighbouring countries.

Topics of presentations

A variety of topics will be dealt with during presentations, such as: New challenges in the global control of MDR-TB New strategies and policies on MDR-TB in South Africa A South African perspective on TB control A provincial perspective on implementing the national TB control policy

The role of the public district hospital in TB control Tuberculosis control through DOTS Case detection strategies

TB in children Hospital to clinic: is this the missing link? Patient compliance with DOT for TB Challenges for effective health communications in a multicultural context

The economics of TB Frequency of multiple infections with M. tuberculosis in pulmonary TB patients HIV/AIDS and TB, etc.

Speakers

Among the speakers will be Dr Victor Litlhakanyane (Head of Health: Free State); Prof Françoise Portaels and Dr Leen Rigouts (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium); Dr Reliloe Matji (Director: NTBC Programme); Ntsiki Jolingana (Director: HIV, AIDS, TB and Communicable Diseases, Free State) and Annatjie Peters (Free State TB Coordinator); Dr Karin Weyer (Medical Research Council); Profs Herman Meulemans, Diana De Graeve, Luc Pauwels and Christiane Timmerman (University of Anwerp, Belgium); Dr Lara Fairall (UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town); Prof Frikkie Booysen (Department of Economics, University of the Free State); Christo Heunis, Ega Janse van Rensburg-Bonthuyzen, Zacheus Matebesi and Kobus Meyer (CHSR&D); Dr Mary Ednington (School of Public Health, Wits); Dr Carmen Báez and Sabine Verkuijl (ISDS); Anneke Van der Spoel-Van Dijk (Medical Microbiology, University of the Free State).

Costs

There will be no registration fees. However, delegates are expected to arrange their own transport and accommodation, or arrange for sponsorships themselves.

Contact details in case of inquiries and confirmation:

Postal Address: The Director, CHSR&D, PO Box 339, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300 Fax: 051 448 0370 Tel: 051 401 2181 OR 051 401 3256 E-mail: vrensh@mail.ufs.ac.za (Dingie van Rensburg) OR neljc@mail.ufs.ac.za (Ohna Nel)

PLEASE, CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT AT THE LATEST BEFORE 25 OCTOBER 2003 ? BY TELEPHONE, FAX OR E-MAIL.

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