By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – Free State royal houses have hailed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between them and the University of Free State UFS as ‘very momentous’ as it fomalizes their relationship.
The signing of the MoU was held at University of Free State Qwaqwa campus between the five royal houses and the university leadership on November 6, 2024.
Speaking on behalf of the Bakoena Royal House, Morena Tsolo Mopeli said the signing of the Mou will strengthen the already existing relations as most of the university’s students stay in their accommodations, in the process boosting the economy of the area.
“For us this day is one of the most important days there can ever be. It is our wedding day; we may have had a relationship before this, but it was not yet formalized. But after today we will be a couple. I love the fact that this does not only unite the chieftainship with the university but also unites us as chiefs from various royal houses.
“It gives us a common identity as chiefs from different tribes within our area to say we are partners in this common mission of educating the community that we represent. This event further entrenches the relevance of the university in the community.”
Batlokwa Ba Makgalong Royal House’s Queen Vuyela Tsotetsi described the moment as a very important one which will enable sharing of knowledge in a formal way.
“We may not be educated like the university representatives, but we have knowledge of the history of our area which we can share and help the university in their research and documentations.”
Prof Prince Ngobeni said since assuming the role of Campus Principal on 1 March 2024, he embarked on a journey to connect with the diverse communities that form the heart of the region.
“I had the privilege of visiting five Royal Houses, engaging with traditional leaders and community members to understand their aspirations and challenges.
“During these visits, a common theme emerged: a collective desire for education and skills development. The Royal Houses have expressed a need for their communities to access opportunities that would empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
“In response to these needs, we have embarked on a collaborative effort to formalize our partnership through this Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement marks a significant milestone, signifying our shared commitment to enhancing higher education and socio-economic development in our region.”
Ngobeni said having this formal relationship will enable the university to get information from chiefs who own the area while doing their research.
University of Free State QwaQwa campus principal Prince Ngobeni with traditional leaders after signing of MoU.
SRC president Nomvuyo Nungu said strengthening relationship between traditional leadership and the university will work in their favour as some of them stay off campus and rent in the areas belonging to the traditional leaders where they experience the same hardships and challenges in the area.
“We stay in the traditional leaders’ areas, sometimes we experience criminal activities, and this relationship will ensure that traditional leaders protect us.”
Other Royal houses that attended the event include Makholokoe royal house, Batlokwa Ba Mota Royal house and Barolong Boo Seleka Royal house.
One Response
The signing of the memorum of understanding between the royal house and the university of free State QwaQwa campus is a great achievement Now We need to start. Building Community Municipality Traditional Council Private sector partnership in community development from street and ward/village level Launch Till SlIP PROMOTION IN their region where the community will support their business and the business from their corporate social responsibility budgets they plough back to the community the same percentage as the one each ward has supported each ward with,Then the partnership create ward development trust account The ward Development forums Municipality Traditional Council entire local business corporate social investment managers they create ward budgets that will fund community development in each ward (Kgomo Ya Mafisa)