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27 October 2025 | Story Sefako Mokhosoa | Photo Supplied
BANKSETA
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.

News Archive

Consideration of the future of Reitz Residence
2008-03-17

Against the background of the recent events surrounding the video produced in Reitz Residence and in terms of a resolution passed by the Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) on 7 March 2008, the Rector and the Management of the UFS are at present considering the future of the Reitz Residence on the main campus of the University.

According to the Council resolution, this may include the possible closure of the residence and its conversion into either a new residence or accommodation facility or a different type of facility for use by the University. The guideline by Council is that it should become a beacon of transformation, hope and liberation.

The substantive issues that will be considered in taking the above-mentioned decision include, among others: the necessity of utilising the residence for other needs; the promotion of transformation and diversity in residences and on the campus; the educational and career interests of future residents; safety and security on the campus; and the effective functioning and strategic objectives of the UFS, including the place and profile of the UFS in the national and international university context, the UFS’s co-operation with other universities, organisations and experts, the UFS’s community engagement, and strategic partnerships with the business sector.

No such decision will be taken before the persons who will be affected directly by such a decision have been afforded a reasonable opportunity to make submissions and proposals for consideration by the Management. These direct stakeholders, in law, have been identified as:

  • students residing in Reitz at present;
  • parents of students residing in Reitz at present; and
  • present staff of Reitz.

In addition, any stakeholder or group of stakeholders are invited to make proposals by way of written submissions on the basis of the above-mentioned before or on 14 April 2008.

The University gives its assurance that whatever is ultimately decided, reasonable notice will be given to all the above-mentioned direct stakeholders and that the implementation will take place in a fair and reasonable manner to avoid causing unnecessary disruption for students, parents and staff.

Please send written submissions to:
The Vice-Rector: Student Affairs
Reitz issue
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300

Fax number: 051 444-0740
Email address: voorstelle@ufs.ac.za  

Prof. FCvN Fourie
Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Media Release
Issued by: Mr Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 3422
Cell: 072 207 8334
E-mail: fishera.stg@ufs.ac.za  
17 March 2008

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