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17 April 2018 Photo Johan Roux
Be an ambassador for hope - Miss Deaf SA Chantelle Pretorius
Chantelle Pretorius, Miss Deaf South Africa 2017/2018, spoke at the April graduation at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. Spotlight photo: Rulanzen Martin

Chantelle Pretorius, Miss Deaf South Africa 2017-2018, delivered a speech filled with hope at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Education April graduation ceremony.

“In the words of Tata Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” said Chantelle.
 
A journey filled with triumph 
Chantelle’s journey to becoming a UFS graduate and foundation-phase teacher at Barkly East Primary School in the Eastern Cape is an inspirational one. When she became a UFS student in 2012, she showed promise on the football field and represented the university’s first football team from 2013 to 2015. She graduated with a BA in Education in 2015.
 
“Each person will experience the journey of life differently, but when we let our light shine, we unconsciously allow others to do the same,” said Chantelle. She encouraged the graduates by reminding them there is no obstacle too big to overcome.
 
No discrimination and people-centred university
“I am honoured to stand here today, before you all, as an ambassador for hope. I have never focused on my weaknesses but rather on my strengths. I pushed myself to be a better person in life and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to obtain a degree from the UFS, even though I am a deaf person. The university does not discriminate against anybody with a disability. So I salute this institution for allowing me to make my dream of becoming a graduate come true,” said Chantelle.

Pillars of strength and inspiration

She reminded the graduates that teaching was about being a pillar of strength and inspiration to the children they will teach. Chantelle said success did not happen overnight and that the graduates would need to live life with the right approach. She encouraged them to be enthusiastic, positive and motivated teachers. “Be the teacher that touches the lives and hearts of the children you teach because in the end, it is not what you say that matters but rather how you made the child feel, that will be remembered,” she said. 

News Archive

UFS presents symposium on serious violent crime
2007-02-28

The Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) is hosting a symposium on serious violent crime in South Africa on Wednesday, 7 March 2007.
 
“The symposium aims to provide stakeholders the opportunity to deliberate on and propose solutions to combat violent crime in South Africa,” said Prof Johan Henning, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the UFS.
 
According to Prof Henning perspectives on violent crimes from a psychological, business, constitutional and agricultural perspective will be given. “The themes to be discussed are amongst others the nature and extent of serious and violent crime in South Africa and the effect thereof, the reasons for violent crime and the role of the Constitution. Possible solutions will be put to the table to combat serious violent crime and there will also be an open session for input from the general public,” said Prof Henning.
 
Speakers who already confirmed to participate in the symposium include Dr  Matthews Phosa (former politician and now businessman), Mr Roelf Meyer (former minister of constitutional affairs and chairperson of the Civil Community Initiative), Dr Leon Wessels (National Commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission), Judge Nathan Erasmus (Inspecting Judge of Prison Services), Mr Kiewiet Ferreira (convener of law and order from AGRISA) and Commissioner André Pruis (Deputy Commissioner of Operational Services at the South African Police Services).
 
Appeal court judge Fritz Brand and Judge Faan Hancke, chairperson of the UFS Council, will be the chairpersons of the symposium.
 
The symposium will be presented from 08:00-13:30 in the CR Swart Auditorium on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Attendance is free of charge. Those who are interested can call Prof Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer (051 401 2268) or Adv Jaco de Bruin (051 401 2433) to book a seat.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
6 February 2007
 

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