UFS

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀? A new doctoral policy brief by University of the Free State (UFS) researcher Dr Crespen Ndlovu suggests it is about more than just a degree. His research explores how social entrepreneurship could transform graduate development by building vital capabilities such as resilience, leadership, and social responsibility. Read more: ufsweb.co/4f1ZKxB #UFS #KovsieResearch #SocialEntrepreneurship #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

Great ideas in sport start long before the game begins. At the University of the Free State’s World IP Day webinar, experts unpacked how intellectual property protects innovation, opens opportunities, and helps turn ideas into impact. The message was clear: protect early, think strategically, and work with the right support. Read more: ufsweb.co/49tAyMN #UFS #UFSImpact #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

There is growing frustration in South African classrooms. Around 80% of Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, even when they can recognise words. Many learners no longer sustain reading in the way previous generations did. Ask them to work through a long passage and focus often fades within minutes. Yet these same children can spend hours on TikTok, scroll continuously on Instagram, or remain deeply absorbed in a game on a PS5, writes UFS Dr Remeredzayi Gudyanga Read more: ufsweb.co/48Id7zc #opinion #ReadingForMeaning #Education

𝗔 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 The University of the Free State’s DiMTEC celebrates more than 10 years of Erasmus+ partnership with the Babeș-Bolyai University in Romania – advancing sustainable disaster risk management through international exchange, research, and student opportunities. Read more: ufsweb.co/4nd8tzg #UFS #ErasmusPlus #GlobalPartnerships #Sustainability

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? Acclaimed saxophonist and composer Abraham Mennen has joined the UFS International Institute of the Arts as an artist in residence! He is inviting the university community to help shape Dosomethin’, a unique, interactive sound installation at the H van der Merwe Scholtz Hall from 7 to 11 July 2026. Read more: ufsweb.co/4u9GGlv #UFS #ProudlyKovsies #OnlyAKovsieKnowsTheFeeling #UFSArts #VrystaatArtsFestival

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 The University of the Free State Centre for Graduate Support will host the 2026 Postgraduate Welcoming on 23 April at the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus. This flagship annual event, starting at 09:00, will highlight the UFS’ commitment to developing postgraduate students who contribute meaningfully to building responsible societal futures. The programme will feature a keynote address by Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, a personal narrative from Lebo Molax, a commitment ceremony, interactive boomwhacking, and photo opportunities. Watch the livestream: bit.ly/3U9DGGi #FutureFocused ##StudentCentred #StudentSuccess #KovsieExperience

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. We met with him and asked what this achievement means to him, and it’s clear—this is more than a graduation. It’s a step toward a greater mission. As a Deaf graduate and future educator, Mlondi is driven to create more inclusive classrooms and strengthen support for Deaf learners across South Africa. From determination to impact, his journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to rise with purpose. #UFSAprilGraduation #ProudlyKovsies

“My graduation success belongs to a mother who went without so that I would not lack.” – From Letshalemaduke to graduation day, Matieho Mkhize’s journey reflects resilience and the importance of loving support. The University of the Free State celebrates Mkhize’s remarkable achievement alongside her and her proud mom, applauding a journey defined by perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Read more: ufsweb.co/48hvhrd #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

𝗞𝗼𝘃𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗧 𝟮-𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆 Kovsie FC claimed a hard-earned 2–1 victory over CUT in a gripping Motsepe League derby at CUT Stadium on Saturday. Despite early pressure from the home side, Kovsie remained composed and capitalised on key moments to secure all three points. CUT created several opportunities but were left to rue missed chances, while Kovsie’s clinical finishing proved decisive. The win boosts Kovsie’s position on the league table, while CUT will be looking to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures. Read more: ufsweb.co/4u2k8Dc #Kovsies #ProudlyKovsies #ABCMotsepeLeague #SAFootball #Diski

𝗔𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀. Professor Hester C. Klopper, the university’s 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal, was recently honoured at the Forbes Woman Africa Awards – a moment that resonates strongly with this year’s graduating class. In accepting the award, Prof Klopper turned the spotlight outward. She dedicated the recognition to students and future women leaders, reminding us that leadership is defined by those who follow and the paths we help create. It is a message that echoes across our graduation stages: every degree carries the potential to influence communities, professions, and futures. Watch her acceptance speech and relive the moment: youtu.be/sISiu3BWINw?si… At the University of the Free State, every graduate is part of a bigger story – one that continues to shape responsible societal futures. #UFS #Kovsies #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟱 Our final session of the April graduation season is underway as we continue conferring qualifications to the Faculty of Education – celebrating graduates who are ready to shape the future through teaching and learning. Only a Kovsie knows the feeling. #UFSGraduations2026 #ProudlyKovsies

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁? It is about much more than a cap and gown! At this season’s Chancellor’s PhD Luncheons, graduates were reminded that true knowledge carries a profound responsibility. From the philosophy of Ubuntu to social justice in higher education, the conversation focused on what it means to use your expertise in the service of society. Read the full story: [link] Read more: ufsweb.co/4882PrK #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies #OnlyAKovsieKnowsTheFeeling #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #PostgraduateStudies #LeadershipMatters

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲! Congratulations to our Dean’s Medal recipients from the Faculty of Education: 1: Bonolo Menyatso – awarded for achieving the best results in a four-year Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching) 2: Florence Maseko – awarded for achieving the best results in a Master’s degree (Master of Education with specialisation in Education Management and Leadership) Your dedication, discipline, and outstanding academic performance set you apart. You embody the true spirit of excellence, and we are incredibly proud of your achievements. Only a Kovsie knows the feeling. #UFSGraduations2026 #ProudlyKovsies

𝗛𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. Mlondi Cele’s graduation is more than a personal milestone. As a Deaf graduate and future educator, he is committed to strengthening how South African classrooms support Deaf learners. From lecture halls to the classroom, his journey reflects what it means to turn knowledge into impact. Read his story: ufsweb.co/3Oc7bHL #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #InclusiveEducation #StudentSuccess

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduands who crossed the stage today. Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have led you to this proud moment, and we celebrate each of you with joy and admiration. Thank you to your families, friends, and loved ones for walking this journey with you and for the unwavering support that made today possible. #UFSGraduations2026 #ProudlyKovsies

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲! A heartfelt congratulations to Keanan Cantor, awarded the Dean’s Medal for achieving the best results in a master’s degree in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, graduating with a Master of Architecture. This remarkable achievement reflects dedication, creativity, and academic excellence at its finest. Your hard work and commitment have truly set you apart, and we are incredibly proud of this milestone. Wishing you continued success as you shape spaces, ideas, and the future of architecture. #UFSGraduations2026 #ProudlyKovsies

𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 A heartfelt congratulations to twins Fezeka Angela Nkosana and Fezile Theodora Nkosana on graduating with a Bachelor of Agriculture! A special commendation to Fezeka Angela Nkosana for achieving a distinction — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her dedication and academic excellence ✨ Your shared journey, resilience, and hard work have led to this incredible milestone. Today, we celebrate not only your achievements but also the powerful bond that carried you through it all. Wishing you both continued success as you step into the future and make your mark in the world of agriculture #Kovsies #UFSGraduation

Reclaiming our history and uplifting others! Graduation season at the UFS is about looking forward, but our Chancellor, Prof Bonang Mohale, reminds us of the power of looking back. During the launch of his new autobiography, Coming in from the Cold, on the Bloemfontein Campus, he shared profound insights on identity, ethical leadership, and the true meaning of empowerment in South Africa. Read more about his inspiring journey and how he champions responsible societal futures here: ufsweb.co/4dTDBRA #UFSGraduation #ProudlyKovsies #OnlyAKovsieKnowsTheFeeling #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #LeadershipMatters

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟰 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 We are proud to still be conferring qualifications to the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences - celebrating brilliance, dedication, and the next generation of innovators shaping our world. Watch live//bit.ly/4mBcOvv #Kovsies #UFSGraduation