The University of the Free State (UFS) proudly hosted its 2023 Recognition of Service Awards ceremony on Friday, 20 October 2023, at the Centenary Complex on the Bloemfontein Campus. This momentous occasion was a tribute to 21 retiring and 23 long-serving employees, who, together, have dedicated an astonishing 1,610 years of service to the institution. The event was a heartwarming celebration of the unwavering commitment and loyalty these distinguished individuals have displayed throughout their tenure at the university.

In his inspiring keynote address, Prof Vasu Reddy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation, stated, “In a world where people are constantly seeking new opportunities and experiences, it is rare to find staff who stay with an institution for even a few years. You represent an exceptional breed of employees; this reflects the level of commitment you feel towards the university, and I trust, the level of job satisfaction you have experienced.”

Recognising dedication in all three campuses

This annual event is a testament to the UFS’s dedication to honouring academic and support staff from all three campuses who have dedicated 25 years or more to the university.

The honourees included staff members from various departments, such as the university’s seven faculties, University Estates, ICT Services, Library and Information Services, Residence Cleaning Services, Finance, Housing and Residence Affairs, KovsieSport, Protection Services, Student Recruitment Services, Student Academic Services, Records Management Division, Institutional Advancement, and Human Resources.

Prof Reddy went on to say, “Congratulations on achieving this incredible milestone in your career. The UFS is what it is today because of your individual and collective loyalty, commitment, dedication, and efforts – which are greatly appreciated by all.”

Among the recipients were Jim Makale, a messenger at the Records Management Division, and Prof Derik Coetzee, an adjunct professor and Head of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Remarkably, they have each accumulated 40 years of service with the institution. 

Makale commenced his journey at the UFS on 11 February 1983 as a gardener before transitioning to Housing and Residence Affairs, where he was based at the central kitchen of the Roosmaryn Residence. Later, he was transferred to the Records Management Division, where he has been serving as a dedicated messenger. 

Prof Coetzee, an accomplished academic, has been instrumental in teaching Sports Injuries and Exercise Prescription to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Previously, he excelled as a Rugby Union conditioning coach from 1983 to 2011, including roles with the Cheetahs and various national teams such as South Africa A, SA U21, and Springboks. 

Prof Reddy concluded his address by saying, “Your institutional knowledge can never be underestimated, and we could not have achieved what we as an institution have achieved without you. Colleagues I urge you to continue to mentor staff who can benefit a great deal from your practical and technical expertise and experience.”