Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
24 July 2024
|
Story Lacea Loader
![]()
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.
Student Hanje Pistorius walks before Christmas
2009-12-15
 |
Mr Frans Kleinhans and Hanje Pistorius during a fitting session of her new bionic leg.
Photograph: Leonie Bolleurs |
A medical student at the University of the Free State (UFS), Hanje Pistorius, who lost her leg in a motor accident while collecting money for the Rag earlier this year, will walk before Christmas. This time with the help of her new bionic leg. People countrywide opened their hearts and made contributions to help cover the cost of a prosthesis for Hanje.
Hanje decided on a product from the prosthesis component manufacturer, Ossur. The impressive mobility of a patient model user of the Rheo Knee convinced Hanje that this is the prosthesis that she would like to use.
The company Ossur decided to donate a part of the prosthesis component to her. Mr Frans Kleinhans from FA Kleinhans Orthopaedic Services also made a big contribution by offering to deliver the clinical services to manufacture the prosthesis and to fit it to Hanje. He will also manage the long-term rehabilitation.
Although Hanje is still unfamiliar with the leg, Mr Kleinhans said that she is already making good progress with the leg.