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Student Affairs Week: A celebration of community and engagement

19 May 2025 | Story Teboho Mositi | Photo Simbongile Jojo

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) recently hosted a vibrant Student Affairs Week on the Qwaqwa Campus, inviting staff and students to participate. This annual event aimed to foster a sense of community and engagement among students, staff, and the broader university community.

A key highlight of the week was the address by Zoleka Dotwana, Director of Student Affairs on the Qwaqwa Campus, who emphasised the importance of informing students about the services provided by Student Affairs. In her own words: “After four years of hosting the event, this year’s edition was particularly successful, with students enthusiastically participating and embracing support structures.” The event encouraged students to join organisations for additional support, both academically and personally. Staff members went above and beyond to ensure the success of the event, and it is heartening to see students embracing the new strategy and services. Eventually, Student Affairs Week achieved its goal of promoting support and inclusivity on campus.

Monday 5 May: DSA and students displayed their initiatives through engaging student exhibitions, highlighting their commitment to success. The displays provided valuable insights into the role of the Division of Student Affairs in fostering a thriving campus community. Through these exhibitions, students gained a deeper understanding of the support services that are available and offered on campus.

Tuesday 6 May: Introduction to student structure and organisations – On day two, students and staff witnessed a significant event when the Division of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Centre for Graduate Support, hosted an introductory session for student associations and organisations under the Student Governance Office. The initiative aimed to provide a platform for understanding the structures and functions of student governance, fostering greater engagement and participation among the student body. The session emphasised the commitment of the university and Student Affairs to empower student leadership and cultivate a vibrant campus community.

Wednesday 7 May: Arts and culture performances – Mid-week brought forth a burst of creativity and talent, with captivating arts and culture performances. Students took to the stage to showcase their diverse artistic expressions, creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural exchange that resonated throughout the campus.

Thursday 8 May: Food drive – On day four, students and staff presented a lively student food drive, requesting donations of non-perishable food items to support students in need through the No Student Hungry Programme and the Social Support Office. Students and staff members came together in solidarity to support those in need as they shared the powerful experience of giving back and leaving no one behind through the spirit of humanity. The event saw an overwhelming response from the university community, with students, staff, and faculty members generously donating food items. The DSA extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and donated.

Friday 9 May: Aerobics and fun walk – Students and staff members united for a fun-filled morning exercise and wellness at the aerobics and fun walk event. A scenic walk was followed by valuable primary health-care services, which prioritised their well-being. An invigorating aerobics session wrapped up the event, boosting energy and enthusiasm. This engaging activity strengthened bonds among participants, promoting a sense of community.

Nhlawuleko Mhlanga, a final-year Bachelor of Administration student in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, said: “Student Affairs Week was a valuable experience that provided students with valuable information that is often overlooked.” The event showcased student talents and celebrated cultural diversity through performances. “The food drive initiative stood out to me, as it demonstrated our community’s capacity for kindness and ubuntu, as many students were unfamiliar with different units within the Division of Student Affairs. It would be amazing to incorporate the initiative in both semesters.”

News Archive

Full week of graduation ceremonies at UFS in April

2015-04-10

Autumn always sees the UFS’s first graduation ceremony of the year on the Bloemfontein Campus.

From 14 – 17 April 2015, graduates will once again be rewarded for their hard work while top speakers will address them in the Callie Human Centre. There will be a ceremony at 09:00 and at 14:30 each day on all four days of the graduation.

The programme for the 2015 April Graduation is as follows:

Tuesday 14 April 2015:

Professor Himla Soodyall will be the speaker at both ceremonies on this day. Prof Soodyall is a Medical Scientist for the South African Institute for Medical Research. She is also a Principal Medical Scientist for the National Health Laboratory Service, and a Director for the Human Genome Diversity and Disease Research Unit at the University of Witwatersrand.

During the first ceremony of the day at 09:00, all diplomas/certificates and B degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will be awarded. Only Honours degrees in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will be awarded at the 14:30 ceremony.

Wednesday 15 April 2015:

Wednesday will see Ndumiso Hadebe take the stage to address graduates at both ceremonies.

At the age of 23, Hadebe is the Founder and Managing Director of Master Frontiers Consulting, a firm that capacitates leaders and managers to achieve business goals through their people. He worked previously as a Researcher at Shanduka Black Umbrellas, a flagship enterprise and supplier development programme of the Shanduka Foundation.

He has been received numerous awards for excellence in leadership, such as the Sedibeng District Municipal Mayor’s Award for Service and Leadership. He is a Brand South Africa Ambassador and Read Educational Trust Ambassador.

All diplomas/certificates, B and Honours degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, except B Com degrees, will be awarded during the morning ceremony at 09:00. Later, at the 14:30 ceremony, only B Com degrees in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences will be awarded.

Thursday 16 April 2015:

Multiple award winning South African TV presenter, Leanne Manas, will be the speaker at both Thursday ceremonies.

Manas has graced our screens for over a decade. Not many broadcasters can boast having had live TV experience, 5 days a week for 12 years. She is currently the anchor of SABC 2’s flagship breakfast programme, Morning Live. Leanne is a qualified Speech and Drama teacher. having studied at London Trinity College. She also has an Honours degree in English.
Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication Sciences will be awarded during the ceremony at 09:00. The 14:30 ceremony will have diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of the Humanities’ other qualifications except for Social Sciences and Communication Sciences.

Friday 17 April 2015:

Dr Maria Phalime will be the speaker at both ceremonies on Friday.

Phalime is a medical doctor and award-winning author. She practiced for a brief period as a general practitioner in South Africa and the United Kingdom, before leaving medical practice to pursue non-clinical interests. She has worked in trade and investment promotion, and has undertaken research and consulting in the areas of economic development and business facilitation.

Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculty of Education (CE, NPDE and ACE excluded) will be awarded during the ceremony at 09:00. Diplomas/certificates up to and including Honours degrees in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law, and Theology will be awarded at the 14:30 ceremony.

Click here for the simple layout of the 2015 April Graduation programme:
http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/2014-graduation-ceremony/graduation-ceremony

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