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24 July 2024
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Story Lacea Loader
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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.
Student protests at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State
2017-02-24
I am writing to you about this week’s student protests at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), regarding access to higher education.
It is understandable that parents and/or guardians are concerned about the situation on campus, the safety of students, and the impact of the protests on the academic programme. Although disruption of some classes occurred on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 February 2017, academic and other activities continued this week.
Be assured that contingency plans for the safety and security of staff and students are in place. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are on campus and the situation is monitored with their support and assistance. The necessary authorisation has also been obtained for action by the SAPS in support of our endeavour to ensure the safety of staff and students on all our campuses.
We are committed to do all in our power to ensure stability and safety on campus, and an uninterrupted academic programme. All lawful means will be deployed to achieve this.
Kind regards,
Prof Nicky Morgan
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State
State of our campuses #1 (22 February 2017)
Memorandum handed to UFS management on 21 February 2017
Released by:
Lacea Loader (Director: Communication and Brand Management)
Telephone: +27 51 401 2584 | +27 83 645 2454
Email: news@ufs.ac.za | loaderl@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 51 444 6393