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19 May 2025 | Story Teboho Mositi | Photo Simbongile Jojo
Student Affairs Week
Students and staff unite during Student Affairs Week to celebrate community, support, and campus engagement.

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

Giraffe research broadcast on National Geographic channel
2016-03-09

Description: Giraffe research  Tags: Giraffe research

A documentary focusing on the latest and most interesting research about giraffes was recently broadcasted on National Geographic. Dr Francois Deacon from the UFS Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences and the team of researchers working with him, were first in the world to equip giraffes with GPS collars, and to conduct research on them.

Research by Dr Francois Deacon, from the UFS Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, involving the equipping of giraffes with GPS collars, was broadcast this week as part of a documentary (4 March 2016 and subsequent weeks) on National Geographic (Channel 182). The documentary is the first of two on his team's research.

Dr Deacon and the team of researchers working with him were the first in the world to equip giraffes with GPS collars, and to conduct research on this initiative. The group of researchers can now follow the animals night and day by means of the GPS collars, while monitoring their movements from a distance on a computer screen and seeing the world from a giraffe's perspective.

“The documentary focuses on the latest and interesting information about our research in different countries,” Dr Deacon said. Besides their local research on giraffes, he and his team also assist in other projects and research in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.

“There is much to learn from the documentary,” Dr Deacon said. Interesting facts from their research include herd interactions by individuals towards each other, bulls versus bulls, and cows versus calves. In the documentary, the viewer can also learn how giraffes use thermoregulation, their tongues, and roaming areas and distances; peculiar behaviour such as feeding on bones and soil; bulls fighting; how and when giraffes drink water; and the conservation and management of giraffes.
 
Focus is also placed on the manner in which the latest research plays a role in the better understanding of the animals.
 
According to Dr Deacon, this is the first documentary to focus on giraffe research on such a large scale. Marco Polo Films from Terra Mater are contracted by National Geographic to produce nature films – this was the hundredth nature film produced by them.
 
“There has never before been such a production about giraffes. It also attracted huge interest and reaction overseas, which will provide great exposure for our research and for the UFS.
 
“We believe that the media involvement will provide much more exposure to giraffes, which is a good thing, since they are facing extinction in Africa. The exposure can, in itself, lead to new research and has already started attracting international students to the UFS,” Dr Deacon said.
 
The second documentary will follow later this year. Iniosante, a film team from Texas, USA, is producing this film, which focuses on the extinction of giraffes. It is the same team responsible for the production Last of the Longnecks.



Additional resources:


-    Last of the Longnecks (trailer)
-    Giraffe – Up high and personal (National Geographic video)
-    Giraffe: African Giant (National Geographic video)
-    Giraffe – Up high and personal (article)

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