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UFS solidifies community ties with landmark MOU handover

14 May 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Teboho Mositi

Pictured: On the left, Prof Prince Ngobeni, Qwaqwa Campus Principal, with Motlalepula Tsotetsi, Principal of Maluti TVET College.

The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus has formally cemented its commitment to regional engagement by handing over signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to key local stakeholders during a significant ceremony. The partnerships with Maluti TVET College, the HaMagriza’s Indigenous Restaurant and Co-working Hub, and the Agape Foundation signal a collaborative effort focused on enhancing education, fostering community upliftment, and driving regional development.

The handover, which took place in the Senate Hall of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, was intentionally designed as a personal demonstration of the university’s dedication to building strong, enduring relationships. Prof Cias Tsotetsi, Vice-Principal: Academic and Research on the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, emphasised the significance of the face-to-face engagement.

“We chose not to simply email the signed MOUs,” explained Prof Tsotetsi. “We wanted to meet face-to-face and hand them over in person, because this is about building genuine, lasting relationships. These stakeholders align with the university’s vision of becoming a hub for research, a student-centred environment, and a regionally engaged institution.”

Representatives from each partner organisation expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities unlocked by these newly formalised agreements.

Motlalepula Tsotetsi, Principal of Maluti TVET College, hailed the MOU as a pivotal moment. “Although we have collaborated with various stakeholders in the past, this marks the first formal partnership with the University of the Free State. Given our proximity, it’s long overdue, and we welcome this development.”

Echoing this sentiment, HaMagriza Director, Sabata Lepele, highlighted the importance of mutual recognition and cooperation. “As Tom Ford wisely said, ‘Collaboration is the key to success.’ This partnership creates a shared space that benefits both the university and the broader community. We’re honoured to be part of it.” He further emphasised that this milestone was significant to their journey, embodying a synergy between academia and the community to achieve remarkable outcomes. Lepele expressed HaMagriza's commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and community development through this collaboration, anticipating the co-creation of initiatives that will benefit both the university and the surrounding region. He also conveyed excitement about working together to share the unique culture and heritage of Qwaqwa.

Daniel Moloi, Director of the Agape Foundation, also warmly welcomed the formal partnership, expressing his organisation’s eagerness to collaborate with the UFS on initiatives designed to address pressing community challenges.

This ceremony marks a significant step forward in the UFS Qwaqwa Campus’ community engagement strategy, reaffirming its dedication to fostering inclusive development through strategic alliances within the local landscape. The university aspires to be a research-led, student-centred, and regionally engaged institution, viewing these partnerships as vital vehicles for achieving societal impact that extends beyond the continent.

News Archive

Brazil: Wayde’s dream destination since childhood

2015-12-15

Wayde van Niekerk knows he has to work even harder in 2016 if he wants to achieve success at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Charl Devenish

When he was still in primary school, Wayde’s dream destination was Brazil. Even his dog’s name is Rio.

So it almost seems written in the stars for Wayde van Niekerk to take part in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janerio.

According to the 400m athlete of the University of the Free State (UFS), the Olympics has been something he has been dreaming about for years.

Van Niekerk, who studies BA Marketing at the UFS, has had a phenomenal 2015 season, and the whole of South Africa hopes he can repeat his outstanding form in Rio. The Olympics will be held from 5-21 August 2016.

Funny story

“It actually is a funny story. You know when you are in primary school, and the teacher says you have to write down your dream destination. Mine was Brazil,” Van Niekerk revealed.

“In 2012 at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, I saw they introduced Rio as the next hosting country, and I thought Wow! That is where I want to be, and what I want to do.

“That opened my eyes and I knew God has a plan for me. I have to put in the hard work and achieve something with my life. Luckily from there on, there was pure growth in my life and I am grateful for that.”

His dream is also carried by his dog, Rio, a husky he got about two years ago.

Preparation in 2016

Van Niekerk will follow a specific programme leading up to Rio 2016.

In February next year, he will still be taking things easy, but will probably compete for the UFS in the Varsity Sports athletics.

“You have to build up slowly to peak at the right time,” he said.

In June 2016, he will start competing internationally in Jamaica, then New York, the All-Africa Games in Durban, and then, some Diamond League events before the Olympics in August.

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