Events

2026 STUDENT HOUSING EVENTS CALENDAR

DATE	VENUE AND TIME	EVENT	PURPOSE
12-15 February 2026	Per floor within residences 17h00- 21h00	Floor Representatives Elections	To elect student leaders at the floor level and strengthen residence governance and representation.
17 February 2026	Old Great Hall 10h00 to 16h00	Off-Campus Residence Orientation	Comprehensive support session where officials from the NSFAS, Xiquel Group, and SFA address accommodation and funding queries (NSFAS portal registration, PIN changes, accommodation statuses, WIL payments, appeals, complaints, lease guidelines)
TBC	B7: Multi-purpose 15h00-18h00	On-Campus Residence Orientation	It is a welcome event that provides important information on residence services: cleaning services, occupational health and safety, maintenance, mental health and wellness, protection services, student housing policies, interactive games, and opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with residence facilities and support services.

21 February 2026	Old great hall 18h00-21h00	First Years’ Gala: New Beginnings	To welcome first-year students and promote social integration and a sense of belonging.
12 March 2026	B7 (Conference) and B13 (Writing Centre) 18h00 to 21h00	Ladies & Gentlemen Talks	To provide life skills, personal development, and social awareness discussions.
9–13 March 2026	Auditorium 18 15h00-17h00	Green Campus Initiatives	To promote environmental awareness through clean-up campaigns, recycling, and tree planting.
18 March 2026	B7: Multi-purpose 14h00-17h00	Social Media Savvy Session	To educate students on responsible digital behavior and social media use; POPI Act, adherence to university policies, use of UMP Logo, etc.
17 April 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 18h00-21h30	Debate & Spelling Bee Competition	To enhance academic engagement, critical thinking, and communication skills.
24 April 2026	B13 Seminar room (029) 10h00- 16h00	S/RSA Empowerment Training (Team Building)	To strengthen leadership, teamwork, and collaboration among residence leaders.
17 May 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 18h00-21h00	Mpumalanga Mosaic & African- Inspired Art Festival	To promote creativity, cultural expression, and appreciation of African heritage.
17 May 2026	Siyabuswa Main Hall	General Knowledge Quiz	To encourage teamwork and academic competition among residents.

9-14 July 2026	University of Fort Hare	Green Campus Conference	To deepen environmental sustainability awareness and student participation.
22 July 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 18h00-21h00	Men in Accountability	Residence-based engagement aimed at young men. Focusing on honest and direct conversations around Gender-based violence, Male accountability, Mental Health and the growing phenomenon of the boy child left behind.
9 August 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 18h00-21h00	Women’s Day Celebration	To celebrate and empower women through awareness and engagement activities.
27 September 2026	Siyabuswa Main Hall	Open Mic & Talent Showcase	To provide for student talent and creative expression
27 September 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 18h00-21h00	Heritage Day Celebration (Residence Wedding)	To celebrate cultural diversity and promote unity among students.
23 October 2026	B7: Multi-purpose hall 15h00-18h00	Residence Leadership Awards	To recognise and reward outstanding student leadership (FR, RSA and SRSA).
1-30 October 2026	Will be advertised via UMP communique	Recruitment of S/RSA	Recruitment process for S/RSAs positions. Eligible students will be invited for an interview
April, July and September 2026	B12: Sports field 14h00 to 1700	Residence Sports Tournaments	To promote physical wellness, teamwork, and social interaction for both on and off-campus students.