Rynhardt Smidt

Assistant Director
T: +27 51 401 3594
C: +27 60 993 5820
E: smidtr@ufs.ac.za

I am an integral part of a dynamic team at SRS, dedicated to discovering and nurturing future leaders and innovators. My expertise lies in strategic engagement with a network of premier schools across the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape regions. My role is pivotal in identifying and recruiting top-tier prospective undergraduates with extraordinary potential.

I cultivate robust partnerships with elite feeder schools by orchestrating sponsorships and coordinating sports events and tournaments, thereby solidifying our presence and commitment to educational excellence. My involvement extends to serving on the marketing committee for the prestigious WesGrow Central schools sports series, a testament to our dedication to fostering youth development through sports.

In alignment with my passion for sports, I collaborate closely with KovsieSport to scout and attract high-performance athletes, offering them a platform at the university to excel academically and in their sporting endeavours.

My guiding principle for students is to encourage them on their journey into exceptional university graduates and beyond.
  

Tshidiso Masakala

Assistant Director
T: +27 51 401 3411
C: +27 60 583 4592
E: masakalat@ufs.ac.za

As Assistant Director and Student Recruitment Officer, I embrace a mission far beyond the scope of conventional duties. I am deeply invested in sparking an enduring passion for knowledge and fostering an environment ripe for transformative change. To me, recruitment is more than a mere addition of numbers; it is about being the vanguard of educational evolution, inspiring potential students to envision and embark on a prolific academic odyssey.

I stand as a fervent ambassador, not just for our institution but for education's boundless possibilities. Each conversation and presentation is a unique opportunity for me to fuel aspirations and encourage future leaders to recognize and harness their capabilities.

My reach extends across the vibrant landscapes of Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, and the Free State and even spans select international arenas. I don’t just recruit students; I strive to cultivate future innovators and influencers who carry the mantle of change forward. My vision is clear: to empower each individual to metamorphose into an agent of positive transformation in their communities and the wider world.

My motto is to transform potential into purpose.
 

Schalk Malherbe

Pfariso Kutama

Thato Phakoe

Charmelle Subban

Vusi (aka Mavusa) Mkhwanazi

Alzena Brink

Louis Lucas

Chief Officer: Undergraduate Recruitment
T: +27 51 401 9957
C: +27 71 610 5995
E: LucasLC@ufs.ac.za

I am a dedicated recruitment officer for the University of the Free State, South Africa. The schools I service are mainly in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Namibia. As an ex-teacher I have a passion for upliftment through education. I have an eagerness to support the ambitions of young minds and thrives in my role of guiding prospective students towards their academic goals. My in-depth knowledge of university programs and admission requirements  allows me to effectively guide prospective students towards the most suitable academic pathways. My ability to communicate clearly and concisely to prospective students, their parents and career guidance teachers ensures a smooth and informative recruitment process.

My priority is to recruit only top achieving go-getters.

My Motto: Aguila non capit muscas – the eagle does not catch flies.
 

Malia Maranyane

Senior Officer: Undergraduate Recruitment
T: +27 51 401 3828
C: +27 67 071 4702
E: MaranyaneM@ufs.ac.za

After five enriching years as the Directorate's Office Manager, I stepped into a new role on 1 January 2024, embracing the position of Student Recruitment Officer with vigour and enthusiasm. As a young adult, my spirit is fuelled by the transformative power of education and a contagious zest for life. My passion includes igniting curiosity and ambition in young minds and showcasing the rich, diverse opportunities that education, particularly at UFS, unfolds.

As an ambassador of UFS, I am privileged to connect with the future changemakers across Bloemfontein, the Eastern Free State, Kwa Zulu Natal, North West, and Gauteng Province. My journey takes me through these vibrant provinces, where I engage with learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Speaking five languages, I bridge cultures and communities, weaving a narrative of hope and empowerment through education.

I draw my inspiration from the words of our beloved Dr. Nelson Mandela: 'Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.' These words are not just a motto for me; they are a lived experience. Through education, I have witnessed my own growth and development, a testament to its transformative power.

I am thrilled to engage with you, share our vision, and embark on a journey of discovery and growth together. Welcome to Kovsies, where your future begins to unfold in the most remarkable ways.
 

Theodore Knipe

Senior Officer: Student Recruitment Services 
C: +27 73 080 0936
E: KnipeTJ@ufs.ac.za

As a Capetonian who grew up in a small town, it is my passion to promote the University of the Free State. 

Universities in the Western Cape are oversubscribed; I get students to think outside of the box and introduce them to an alternative option. Pack your bags and turn your tertiary education into a journey to the city of roses, Bloemfontein.