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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

Publication on indigenous knowledge systems

2005-10-21

Dr Otsile Ntsoane (acting Director: IKS, Department of Science and Technology) and Prof Philip Nel (Director: Africa Studies at the UFS and guest editor of the publication) at the launch of the publication

UFS launches most comprehensive publication on indigenous knowledge systems
A unique collection of essays on Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) was launched yesterday (20 October 2005) by the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Programme of Africa Studies.

The essays are published as a special edition of INDILINGA, the African Journal for Indigenous Knowledge Systems and is an outcome of the colloquium on Indigenous Knowledge Systems that was presented last year by the UFS Director of Africa Studies in cooperation with the National Research Council.

“The amount and diversity of materials on IKS brought together under one cover is unique as there are no other South African publications of this magnitude on this issue. It contains papers of international experts on IKS such as Prof Fritz Wallner from Austria and Prof Gayatri Spivak, foremost postcolonial theorist from India,” said Prof Philip Nel, Director of Africa Studies and guest editor of the publication.

“The publication is a rich source field for students and scholars to exploit because most of the sources quoted in the articles are recent, fresh and relevant. The contributors are largely people responsible for managing, fostering and studying IKS in a responsible manner,” said Prof Nel.

“An added value of the publication is the inclusion of the policy document on IKS that was adopted by Cabinet in November 2004,” said Prof Nel.

“Millions of people in South Africa are faced with the painful choice of abandoning their heritage. In this choice, the study and management of IKS has a major role to play; on the one hand, to encourage as much assimilation of traditional knowledge as possible into the modern systems, and on the other hand to provide a “language” and a “grammar” for indigenous people through which they can access modernity,” said Prof Nel.

The IKS debate involves questions of African identity, protection of indigenous communities and practices, political aspects as well as the scientific integrity of the enterprise.

The publication displays the range of burning questions that have to be resolved in this field such as mainstreaming IKS in academic debate and practice, recognition and protection of the knowledge holders, bio-prospecting and bio-piracy, bio and ethnic healing, lack of textbooks and field manuals, etc and will prove worthwhile for future researchers.

“One of the main reasons for publishing this volume is the fact that IKS should be studied not only to provide a sense of pride in the past, or to engender respect for indigenous peoples, but also to enable people in indigenous mind sets to make a better transition into the world of science and technology,” said Prof Nel.

The guest speaker at the launch was Dr Otsile Ntsoane, acting Director of IKS at the Department of Science and Technology. In his speech Dr Ntsoane stressed the symbolic and concrete value of the publication. “The publication can have a great social impact and the research results can contribute to chancing the economic landscape of South Africa,” he said.

The publication can be purchased at R150 per copy. For more information, Ms Steffi Cawood, Programme Coordinator for Africa Studies at the UFS can be contacted at (051) 401-2614.

Media release
Issued by:Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
21 October 2005

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