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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.
UFS meets church leaders
2011-09-14
Our university is fully committed to working with community structures whose vision and mission is to enhance and enrich the lives of those who are less fortunate.
These were the words of the Vice-Rector: External Relations, Dr Choice Makhetha, during a recent visit to the Bopanang Stimulation Centre where she met with the Qwaqwa Ministers Forum under the leadership of Elder Tumaka Tlooko and Rev. Paulos Mohatlane.
“We would not be doing justice to ourselves as the university if we are not responsive to the voices of the needy in our communities,” said Dr Makhetha to a hall packed with ministers of different churches from all corners of Qwaqwa.
This one-year-old structure has already seen numerous successes, one of which is the new working relationship with our university’s Qwaqwa Campus, which has committed itself to providing these ministers with short courses to empower them in full.
Bopanang Stimulation Centre was in a festive mood as the children sang songs of worship, thus forgetting their daily challenges caused by their various disabilities.
Dr Makhetha was accompanied by our Qwaqwa Campus Principal, Dr Elias Malete, and the Head of Administration, Teboho Manchu.