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14 May 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Teboho Mositi
Motlalepula
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

SIFE team performs for the Rectorate
2007-08-15

 

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team recently delivered its winning presentation before the Rectorate and the Faculty Committee of Economic and Management Sciences. The UFS team, who won the competition in 2002, 2003 and 2004, will represent South Africa at the SIFE World Cup in New York in October this year. The team is sponsored by Harmony Gold. At the presentation were from the left, front: Antonio Gumede, Tracey Mokoena and Katlego Mothidi; back: Sihle Ndlela, Gordon Rose, Mbulelo Mpofana and Prof. Tienie Crous (Dean: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences).
Photo: Stephen Collett
 

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