UFS

Welcome! UFS, with campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa, hosts 39 000+ students across seven faculties.

[UFS @UFSweb]

When people think about why entrepreneurs want to grow their businesses, the answers usually seem obvious: more profit, a larger customer base, or a bigger market share. Sometimes, the spark that drives growth is not profit. It can simply be the excitement of what might be possible, writes the UFS’ Dr Ekaete Elsie Benedict.

Read more: https://t.co/gbKgAaBH0Q
#ResearchLed #Opinion #ResearchLed

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Students from the UFS Department of Computer Science and Informatics put their skills to the test during the Beat the Banker Hackathon, developing innovative software solutions to real-world challenges in South Africa's banking and financial-services sector.

From fintech platforms that support township businesses to financial-management tools designed by second-year students, the event showcased the creativity, resilience, and problem-solving abilities of UFS students.

Read more: https://t.co/0ucvYfaSbY

#UFS #StudentInnovation #IndustryLinkedLearning

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆

The University of the Free State Department of Zoology and Entomology has strengthened its research infrastructure with the official opening of an upgraded Nematology Laboratory and the unveiling of Africa's first Leica LMD6 laser microdissection microscope.

These developments expand opportunities for agricultural, biological, and molecular research while supporting postgraduate training, industry collaboration, and scientific innovation.

Read more: https://t.co/wL9ytMicjG

#UFS #ResearchExcellence #ScientificInnovation

[UFS @UFSweb]

Today, as colleagues, students, alumni, partners, friends, and the broader higher education community gather to honour the life of Prof Tandi Matsha-Erasmus at her memorial service, the University of the Free State joins the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) community in remembrance.

Reflecting on her passing, our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, noted: “The true measure of a life is not found in the positions we hold, but in the lives we uplift and the possibilities we create for others. Prof Matsha-Erasmus did both with distinction.”

“Prof Matsha-Erasmus was a respected scientist, scholar, and higher education leader whose commitment to health sciences education and academic excellence made a lasting impact on countless lives. She understood the transformative role universities play in expanding opportunities, nurturing talent, and contributing to the well-being of society.”

As the SMU community gathers to celebrate her life and legacy, the University of the Free State remembers a leader who served with purpose and conviction and whose contribution to South African higher education will endure through the students, scholars, and institutions she helped shape.

Our thoughts remain with her family, loved ones, colleagues, students, and the entire SMU community.

May her memory continue to inspire future generations.

#UniversityOfTheFreeState #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #Care

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲!

In the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, the UFS has been ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for reducing inequality and improving access to opportunity.

This is a global recognition of the University’s work in opening doors to higher education, supporting students who are the first in their families to study, and strengthening inclusion for students and staff across all areas of university life.

We celebrate this achievement and the progress it represents for a more inclusive future.

Read more: https://t.co/wL9ytMicjG

#SDGsAtUFS #InclusiveExcellence #TimesHigherEducationSustainabilityImpactRankings #THESustainabilityImpactRankings

[UFS @UFSweb]

As South Africa commemorates yet another youth month and the challenges facing its youth persist or worsen 50 years after, it is time again to reflect even deeper on the nature and uniqueness of these challenges. South Africa’s youth unemployment ranks the highest in Africa and one of the highest in the world. Its youth-related crime and violence are at a high rate.

Despite the constraints of the coloniality of youth, South African youth must also be agentic in charting the course of their lives towards meaningful achievements. The youth must begin to develop the capacity to bring about positive changes in their own communities and society by making the right decisions and taking right action in the interest of the country, writes the UFS’ Dr Paul K Michael.

Read more: https://t.co/6woH7IYTz8

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗗𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜? 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆?

Join the University of the Free State and the Vrystaat Arts Festival for two thought-provoking panel discussions exploring the enduring value of reading, creativity, and artistic expression in contemporary society.

7 July 2026 | Reading still matters
8 July 2026 | Reimagining the role of the arts in universities and society
15:00–16:00
Centenary Complex, UFS Bloemfontein Campus

Be part of inspiring conversations that explore the intersection of literature, culture, higher education, and society.

Read more: https://t.co/TnUpIg1FP8
#UniversityoftheFreeState #FutureFocused #Vrystaat Arts Festival

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗬𝗮𝗵𝘆𝗮 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁.

As the University of the Free State’s first Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholar, Yahya is pursuing a Master of Public Health (Research) degree while investigating the impact of drinking water contaminants on gut health in rural communities.

His story reflects the UFS’s commitment to global partnerships, research excellence, and developing solutions to complex public health challenges.

Read more: https://t.co/nAKV9Bikyd
#UFS #IAmInternational #StudentSpotlight #GlobalEducation #QECS #PublicHealth #Internationalisation #ResearchForImpact

[UFS @UFSweb]

Research and community partnerships are helping to restore rangelands, strengthen biodiversity, and create new opportunities for livestock owners in the Maloti-Drakensberg. Through projects led by the Afromontane Research Unit, conservation science is supporting healthier ecosystems and more sustainable livelihoods.

Read more: https://t.co/NYLMI23S6K

#UniversityOfTheFreeState #ResearchLed #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲

University of the Free State accounting student Tshepang Lesufi has been selected as one of just 16 final candidates for the ISCA Global Talent Programme, earning the opportunity to compete alongside the best young accounting professionals in the world.

"Setbacks are not final destinations. They are simply the fire that refines your drive."

Read more: https://t.co/bdF0knyExY

#UniversityoftheFreeState #ISCAGlobalTalentProgramme #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲 #𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗔𝘁𝟱𝟬: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂��𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀.

As we reflect on the journey of South Africa's youth over the past 50 years, we asked our students:

What would you like to reset for the future?

From education and innovation to social development and opportunities for young people, their responses offer a glimpse into the future they hope to help shape.

Here is what they had to say.

#YouthMonth #ResetAt50TheFutureCalls #UFS #Kovsies #YouthMonth2026 #TheFutureCalls

[UFS @UFSweb]

The difference between the youth of 1976 and today’s youth is that the former had a clear and common enemy: apartheid. Today, youth challenges are rooted in institutional and structural inequalities within both the public and private sectors. The frustrations experienced by young people are growing and are increasingly shaping public dissatisfaction with governance in South Africa.

As the country commemorates 50 years since the 1976 uprising, Youth Day should not be about remembering the past alone. It should also be about confronting the realities facing young people today and building a future where freedom is matched by dignity, opportunity, and hope, writes UFS’ Thabang Mokoena.

Read more: https://t.co/LxgfpEnXcQ
#Opinion #YouthMonth

[UFS @UFSweb]

As we continue to celebrate Youth Month, we celebrate young innovators like Lebakeng Mokhele, a master’s student at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus, who is running a 1,300-hectare farming enterprise while working directly with emerging farmers to improve their access to agricultural markets.

Many farmers can produce food but remain outside the systems that allow them to sell it sustainably. His work focuses on closing that gap through practical support, planning tools and market access pathways.

The result is work that connects farming production to real income opportunities for farmers who are often left on the margins of formal agriculture.

Read more: https://t.co/drzu8Sx6Ys

#YouthMonth #YouthInAction #UFSImpact

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲

What happens when classroom learning meets real-world disaster response?

Master of Disaster Management students at the University of the Free State recently developed recovery plans for a flood disaster scenario based on events in Limpopo, presenting their solutions to disaster management practitioners and industry leaders.

The practical examination, hosted by the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC), gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real challenges while developing the skills needed to lead and serve communities in times of crisis.

Read more: https://t.co/jNCWpUeg56

#UFS #StudentSuccess #DisasterManagement

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗸𝘂 (𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗠) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗠–𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺, 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗠 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆.

The symposium brought together academics, researchers, and university leaders committed to advancing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange across Africa. It also highlighted how collaboration across borders, languages, and disciplines can strengthen research capacity, create new opportunities for scholars, and contribute to knowledge that serves African communities.

Read more: https://t.co/8P8ObWKV9R

#ExcellenceInEducation #AfricaRisingWithUFS #UFSPartnerships

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮.

For the first time, the University of the Free State Faculty of Law fielded an all-women team at the prestigious 33rd Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria.

Representing the UFS on the global stage, the team competed against universities from around the world while continuing a proud tradition of excellence in international legal advocacy.

Read more: https://t.co/XZlHyvyKcI

#UniversityoftheFreeState #VisMoot2026 #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼, 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀.

This Youth Day, the University of the Free State honours the legacy of June 16 not only through remembrance but also through meaningful action – supporting student wellness, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

The challenges may have changed, but the urgency remains.

Read more: https://t.co/hGq4gkjANq

#YouthDay2026 #June16 #YouthInAction #UniversityOfTheFreeState #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #ProudlyKovsies

[UFS @UFSweb]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 (𝗨𝗙𝗦) 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝘄𝗮𝘇𝗶 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 (𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗖).

The appointment reflects Mestile’s growing national influence within the archives and records management sector. It follows shortly after serving on the National Executive Committee of the South African Society of Archivists (SASA) in 2025.

His appointment positions him and the UFS at the forefront of advancing ethical governance, knowledge stewardship, and the preservation of South Africa’s documentary heritage for future generations.

Read more: https://t.co/wuC4s3Lsng

#UniversityOfTheFreeState #KnowledgeStewardship #ResponsibleSocietalFutures

[UFS @UFSweb]

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month this June, we honour the 1976 Soweto Uprising and the youth who demanded a brighter future. Today, that future is threatened by persistent high unemployment. Millions of young South Africans, especially those aged 16-20, are NEET, i.e., not in employment, education, or training. They face limited qualifications, weak networks, family pressures, and transport challenges, despite being tech-savvy, resilient, and entrepreneurial.

Youth Month should not only highlight problems, but champion solutions. We must actively support and train more youth mentors. Corporates, professionals, universities, and communities should partner with such initiatives, writes the UFS’ Dr Vongai Sarah Ruzungunde.

Read more: https://t.co/8PkZjHXi9L
#YouthMonth # Youth Mentorship #KnowledgeForChange

[UFS @UFSweb]

As University of the Free State staff, students, and alumni participated in, supported, and followed the 2026 Comrades Marathon, UFS alumna Gerda Steyn delivered another historic performance by claiming her fifth title in the iconic ultramarathon.

Her remarkable achievement continues to inspire the Kovsie community and showcases the power of dedication, resilience, and perseverance.

Read more: https://t.co/IP8hP60YYH

#UniversityOfTheFreeState #ResponsibleSocietalFutures #UFSAlumni #Impact #ComradesMarathon2026