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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.
Twenty Rag finalists announced
2012-10-12
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The 20 Rag CS finalists for 2012/2013.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
17 October 2012 |
Our university has been part of the rich tradition of Rag CS (community service) since 1948. During 2011/2012, KovsieRag CS distributed R2 million to charities.
Rag CS will continue the tradition next year. The process began as early as March this year when Rag CS received and processed more than 100 applications and chose 50 women and 25 men as semi-finalists. The men and women had the opportunity to collect money until October. A total of R400 000 was collected. The 20 debutants (10 men and 10 women) who collected the most money were chosen as the 10 Brutal Fruit Rag CS finalists and the 10 Mr Rag CS finalists for 2012/2013.
These students were recently treated to a breakfast at Bain’s Game Lodge. Every finalist chooses a charity for which they will collect money.
Mr Rag CS 2013 and the Rag CS Queen will be chosen at the Crowning Ball on 15 February 2013.