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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

Help to rural women to become entrepreneurs

2006-10-24

Some of the guests who attended the ceremony were, from the left: Mr Donray Malabie (Head of the Alexander Forbes Community Trust), Ms Jemina Mokgosi (one of the ladies from Tabane Village who is participating in the Women in Agriculture project), Dr Limakatso Moorosi (Head: Veterinary Services, Free State Department of Agriculture), Prof Johan Greyling (Head: UFS Department of Animal and Wildlife and Grassland Sciences) and Ms Khoboso Lehloenya (coordinator of the project from UFS Department of Animal and Wildlife and Grassland Sciences). Photo: Leonie Bolleurs\

Alexander Forbes and UFS help rural women to become entrepreneurs

Today, the Alexander Forbes Community Trust and the University of the Free State (UFS) joined forces to create an enabling environment for rural women to become players in the private sector.

Three years ago the UFS set up a unique small-scale household egg production project called Women in Agriculture in Thaba ‘Nchu as a pilot project. The project was officially launched today by Mr Donray Malabie, Head of the Alexander Forbes Community Trust.

The aim of the Women in Agriculture Project is to create jobs, provide food security and to help develop rural women into entrepreneurs. A total of 25 women based in Tabane Village in Thaba ‘Nchu are the beneficiaries of the project.

“This is the first project in the Free State the Alexander Forbes Community Trust is involved with. The project would help rural women acquire the skills they need to run their own egg-production business from their homes,” said Mr Malabie.

“The ongoing debate on the shortage of skills ignores the fact that people with little or no education at all also need training. This project is special to the Trust as it provides for the creation of sustainable jobs, food security and the transfer of much needed skills all at once, particularly at this level,” he said.

Every woman in the group started with two small mobile cages that housed 12 hens each. The units are low in cost, and made of commercially available welded mesh and a metal frame. Now, each woman has four cages with 48 hens. The group manages to collectively produce 750 eggs daily.

The eggs are currently sold to local businesses, including spaza shops and the women are using the income generated to look after their families and to further develop their business.

The Department of Animal and Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the UFS identified the project and did the initial research into the feasibility of setting up such a project.

“A demonstration and training unit has been established at the Lengau Agricultural Development Centre and the women attended a short practical training course. Subsidies are provided for feeding, together with all the material and the lay hens necessary for the start of the business,” said Ms Khoboso Lehloenya, coordinator of the project from the Department of Animal and Wildlife and Grassland Sciences at the UFS.

“The advantage in using lay hens is that they are resistant to diseases and the women will not need electric heating systems for the egg production,” said Ms Lehloenya.

According to Ms Lehloenya, the women are already benefiting from their egg production businesses. “Some of them have used the profit to buy school uniforms and tracksuits for their children and others are now able to make a monthly contribution to their household expenses,” said Ms Lehloenya.
“In South Africa, possibly due to cultural reasons and circumstances, most black people prefer to eat older and tougher chickens, compared to younger soft commercially available broiler chickens. This preference creates a further advantage for the women. At the end of their production cycle, old hens can be sold for a higher price than point-of-lay or young hens. This brings in further money to pay for more hens,” said Ms Lehloenya.

The Alexander Forbes Trust contributed R191 000 towards the project aimed at expanding it to benefit 15 more women.

“We are in the process of recruiting an additional 15 women in Thaba ‘Nchu who will be trained by the Lengau Agricultural Development Centre in order to replicate the model and extend its reach”, said Ms Lehloenya.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@mail.uovs.ac.za
20 October 2006

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