17 April 2026
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen-Joubert, Head of the Odeion String Quartet at the University of the Free State, on stage as she received the UFS Council Medal.
In what she described as a moment of profound honour and personal meaning, Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen-Joubert – Head of the Odeion String Quartet at the University of the Free State (UFS) – celebrated receiving the UFS Council Medal.
Prof Van der Westhuizen-Joubert, who was awarded the Council Medal during a UFS graduation ceremony on 16 April 2026, explained that the recognition represents “the culmination of many years devoted to cello performance, chamber music, and pedagogy at the UFS”.
Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the UFS, who conferred the award, explained that it celebrates meaningful contributions to the institution and its broader community. She added that the award acknowledges those whose commitment, leadership, and loyalty have left a lasting impact. Therefore, Prof Van der Westhuizen-Joubert said that she regards this recognition “not only as a personal acknowledgement, but as recognition of a shared artistic vision and collective commitment”.
Noting a career of impact
Prof Van der Westhuizen-Joubert believes that building a career committed to impact, performance, and teaching has led her to this moment. For instance, she played a key role in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UFS and the Mangaung String Programme in Bloemfontein – a partnership that allows learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to receive coaching from the string quartet. She therefore described this initiative as “an important milestone in strengthening the university’s engagement with community projects”.
In addition, Prof Van der Westhuizen-Joubert has built a solid reputation abroad. This ranges from presenting solo performances of the contemporary South African repertoire at Bard College in the United States of America in 2024 to presenting a lecture at the University of Vienna, titled Cross-Cultural Sounds. Consequently, this international reputation has led to further invitations to return to Vienna in November and December 2026, where she will present programmes focusing on contemporary works for piano and violoncello by South African and Austrian composers, including world premieres, in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed pianist Claus-Christian Schuster of the Altenberg Trio.
Continued commitment to education
Prof Van der Westhuizen-Joubert noted that this award was further motivation to stay the course in educating and mentoring musicians into fully fledged artists, equipped to contribute meaningfully to the future of the profession in South Africa. In fact, she explained that she is committed to maintaining these local and international partnerships, as they play a key role in the development of young talent. In closing, she said, “Through both performance and pedagogy, I hope to contribute to a dynamic and inclusive musical landscape in South Africa.”