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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.
Time is running out for applications for admission at the UFS
2009-11-25
The University of the Free State (UFS) calls on all South African prospective students wishing to study at the UFS in 2010 to submit their applications for admission by no later than 30 November 2009.
The last date for all international students’ applications for 2010 admission was 30 September 2009. All applications received from South African students after the closing date will be considered as late applications and will be handled in a separate process.
Late applications from prospective students will be accepted until 15 January 2010 to accommodate Grade 12 learners who will only receive their results on 7 January 2010.
All South African prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R150. The duly completed and signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport and a proof of payment of the application fee. The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian. The field of study should be clearly indicated.
The registration of first-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be from 19-23 January 2010 in the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.
The registration of senior undergraduate students (that is all students registered at the UFS up until 2009) and postgraduate students will take place from 5-16 January 2010 on a self-service system on the university’s website at www.ufs.ac.za .
Academic advice for all students during the registration period will be available in the Callie Human Centre and the Multi-Purposes Hall, as well as from the different faculties.
First-time entering first-year students on the Main Campus will be welcomed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, on Friday, 8 January and Saturday, 9 January 2010, at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.
At the Qwaqwa Campus late applications will be accepted until 3 February 2010.
The registration of first-time entering first-year and senior students at this campus will be from 18-22 January 2010 in the Multi-Purpose Hall, also according to a programme. First-time entering first-year students will be welcomed on 11 January 2010.
Lectures for all students will commence on 25 January 2010 on both campuses.
Media release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
24 November 2009