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27 October 2025
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Story Sefako Mokhosoa
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Photo Supplied
Ten Grade 12 learners from Mampoi Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba.
On 1 October 2025, the Projects and Innovation Directorate in the Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS) proudly hosted a certificate ceremony to honour ten Grade 12 learners from Mampoi Secondary School in Phuthaditjhaba on the Qwaqwa Campus. These learners completed a Skills Development Initiative and Workshop Series focused on digital literacy and ICT skills – a programme designed to equip rural youth with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.
The initiative, which ran from May to August 2025, was made possible through a strategic partnership with BANKSETA to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. The learners received hands-on training in essential digital tools. Each learner also received a tablet to support continued learning and personal growth beyond the classroom.
The Director of the office in the Faculty of Education, Dr Kwazi Magwenzi, stressed that digital skills promote independence and self-directed learning. “Grade 12 is a time when learners should manage their studies, meet deadlines, and explore their options,” she said. “Digital fluency supports that autonomy. It enables learners to use online research, interactive tools, e-learning, and collaboration platforms to make learning more effective, flexible, and aligned with their pace and style. In Grade 12, where the stakes are high – with exams, tertiary entrance, and career choices – this ability helps learners become more self-directed, confident, and equipped.”
The programme not only built learners’ confidence in using ICT tools for learning and communication but also prepared them for the technologically driven environments they will encounter in institutions of higher learning.
Beyond developing digital skills, the project offered learners valuable exposure to the university environment, as their training took place on campus. Inspired by the success of this pilot, the Faculty of Education now aims to expand the initiative to reach more schools and learners across the region. The vision is to scale up access to digital education and empower more young people in rural areas with the skills necessary for academic and professional success.
This ceremony marked the conclusion of a successful training programme and the beginning of a long-term commitment to digital empowerment and lifelong learning in rural communities.
South Campus warmly welcomes Prof Petersen
2017-05-18
Photo: Charl Devenish
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The second welcoming ceremony for Prof Francis Petersen was held at the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Thursday, 18 May 2017. It is one of three welcoming ceremonies during the Inauguration week of the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector.
“Although we are geographically divided, our three campuses need to work together to accomplish our mission,” said Prof Daniella Coetzee, Principal of the UFS South Campus, who gave a warm welcome to staff, special guests, and students who gathered in the Madiba Arena. Prof Nicky Morgan, Vice-Rector: Operations, introduced Prof Petersen and said: “This is the first time that a ceremony of this nature is celebrated across our three campuses.”
Prof Francis Petersen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, said: “Always try to think differently. Challenge yourself. Be innovative.” He emphasised the importance of making the output of universities more useful to the society. “We are one university with three campuses. We expect the same level of excellence on all three campuses,” he said.
Among the speakers of the day, was Surprise Manyaiyi, the Vice-President of the Bloemfontein Campus SRC, who said that Prof Petersen is the right person to lead the UFS.
The crowd were entertained through various musical items, including the UFS choir, which left the audience in loud cheers and waving flags.
Photo: Charl Devenish