Michael van Niekerk and Lehlohonolo Mofokeng
Annually, the University of the Free State gives special acknowledgement to our finest students. To attain the title of Kovsie Dux, you not only have to perform exceptionally on the academic front, but exhibit the spirit of a leader as well.
This year, Michael van Niekerk is that person.
The list of Van Niekerk’s achievements proves why he was named the Kovsie Dux of 2014. This final year MB CHB student has been raking in achievements. To name but a few:
- F1Leadership for Change Programme
- Golden Key International Society member
- Prime: House Imperium (city residence)
- Selected to attend the Translational Neurosciences Summer Programme in the Netherlands
- SRC City Residences and Commuter Students 2012/2013
- ABE Bailey Travel Bursary 2013
- Chairperson: South African Medical Students Association – UFS Chapter
- Selected as one of 100 delegates to attend the 2014 Brightest Young Minds (BYM) summit.
This prestigious event was hosted by the office of SRC Academic Affairs. Waldo Brink was named 1st runner-up and Lehlohonolo Mofokeng 2nd runner-up.
“This is a blessing to me,” said Van Niekerk. “I believe that through the university I have had many opportunities and blocks that helped me move a step forward. I have met so many mentors that I learned from and lifetime friends; and it is by the grace of God that I could receive this acknowledgement or recognition.”
Vusi Thembekwayo, the youngest JSE Director in South Africa; also known as the Rock Star of Public Speaking, was the keynote speaker at the event. Thembekwayo addressed the Kovsie community at the Business and Entrepreneurship Seminar earlier that day which was also hosted by the SRC.
Addressing the audience, Vusi Thembekwayo – the youngest JSE Director in South Africa – demonstrated why he is also known as the Rock Star of Public Speaking. “Regardless of our race and backgrounds, we all want the same future which is that of greatness – a safe country where our descendants will live harmoniously,” he said. Thembekwayo applauded the winners of the evening and urged them not to shrink away as they head into the world.
Thembekwayo concluded with an inspirational question. In this beautiful country of ours with so much potential for greatness, what legacy will you leave?