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24 July 2024
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The University of the Free State (UFS) is co-hosting the Global Social Innovation Indaba together with Social Innovation Exchange (SIX) on its Bloemfontein Campus from 30 September to 2 October 2024. This event brings together people from different sectors all over the world to discuss how to accelerate and support people-powered
change and create a better society for generations to come.
The UFS is excited to collaborate with SIX, as its vision and values overlap. During this three-day indaba, aspects such as – what it takes to build accountable, inclusive, and participatory institutions, specifically the future role of universities in South Africa – will be discussed. Themes to be explored include young people as drivers of change, post-industrial transitions and community resilience, the role of art, social change and bridging divides, and systemic approaches to dealing with unemployment.
Some of the speakers and participants in the programme include Carla Duprat from ICE (Brazil); Cheryl Jacob from ESquared Investments (South Africa); François Bonnici from the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship (Switzerland); Sir Geoff Mulgan from the University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom; and Dr Narissa Ramdhani from the Ifa Lethu Foundation (South Africa).
The UFS will also use the opportunity to showcase its campus and offerings to attendees, focusing on its transformation story and some of the interdisciplinary forward-thinking programmes. Guests will also be treated to true South African hospitality, laying the foundation for strong relationships and collaboration.
SIX believes in the transformative power of people working together. Exchanges based on mutual value and reciprocity are the missing link in tackling the world’s problems. As a friendly, expert entry point to global social innovation, their work connects organisations, sectors, communities, and nations to build capabilities and create opportunities for collaboration.
Dr David Malapo motivates Qwaqwa staff
2009-06-24
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| Photo: Supplied |
If you are not growing, you are dying. These were the words of Dr David Malapo, teacher, pastor, motivational speaker and businessman, who addressed staff members and students from the Qwaqwa Campus as well as members of the community. Mr Billyboy Ramahlele, Director: Diversity, accompanied Dr Malapo to the campus.
Dr Malapo informed staff that it was possible to grow if one had a vision and a passion for what one wanted to achieve, as well as the willingness to take risks. He emphasised that it was necessary to grow, otherwise one would stagnate. “To grow you need to develop skills in active listening, effective communication and productivity,” he said.
According to him, only oneself can make positive decisions towards growth in one’s own life. “When you blame other people, you give up the power to change,” he said.
He also stated that trust was an inevitable element of growth. It means that you have to avoid pre-judging, treat people with respect, share information, admit mistakes and develop a caring attitude.
Both staff and students evaluated these motivational talks as a highlight-event of the first semester on the Qwaqwa calendar.