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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.
Little change in load shedding schedules
2015-07-25
According to Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer at the University of the Free State, there are few or no changes to the load shedding schedules for the rest of July 2015; daily power cuts by Eskom are a given.
To stay up to date with the latest load shedding schedules, visit GridWatch’s webpage at http://loadshedding.news24.com.
Once classes have started again, lecturers should plan as if load shedding is a given. Venues without emergency power supply should not be reserved during scheduled load shedding.
The university is working hard to equip venues with emergency power. Check the list of venues already equipped with emergency power.
The following tips may help to manage load shedding in the classroom:
- For your lectures: Carry a laptop with your slides (or have hard copies). In this way, you can teach students, even if you cannot project your slides.
- In the event of load shedding, in venues equipped with emergency power, you will be able to continue with classes. All electronic equipment, except for air conditioners, will switch to emergency power, and there should be no problems ? lectures should be continued as normal.
- If emergency power is not available in an academic venue, and the lecturer is unable to continue without electronic equipment, he/she may dismiss the class.
Please contact the office of the Student Academic Services on +27(0)51 401 7345 to reserve a venue for an ad hoc class. The helpline for academic venues from Monday to Friday between 07:45 and 16:30 is +27(0)51 401 7911. Protection Services can be contacted on +27(0)51 401 2911 for after-hours assistance.