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17 December 2018 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
Karla takes netball world by storm
Karla Pretorius, vice-captain of the Protea netball team, has become a leading player in world netball.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has produced a number of exceptional netball players over the years, but none quite on the level of Karla Pretorius, who is widely considered as probably the very best in her position.

 

A whole new level


Pretorius, who is completing her postgraduate studies in Dietetics, was already deemed one of the best when she left for Australia at the end of 2016; however, she has since risen to a whole new level. The Protea vice-captain plays for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball league, the world’s leading competition. She is scheduled to return there again next year. Karla comfortably leads the stats with a total of 50 intercepts and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

 

According to the former Australian coach, Norma Plummer, who is now at the helm of the Proteas, “Karla currently has to be one of the best, if not the best, goal defenders playing at this moment in time.”

 

Karla’s ability to come through with speed-anticipating interceptions is something that is so exciting to watch. She is very versatile and can switch from one-on-one to split circle or other defensive styles, explained Norma. She says Karla is light in stature but physically very strong.

 

Keep on improving

 

According to Pretorius, who played for the Kovsies between 2009 and 2015, playing in an environment where every possible aspect gets attention – with emphasis on detail – has benefited her immensely. “Everything is done so professionally to eventually push you to become the best possible player.” Karla explained that she experiences challenges in many fields of her life but has the chance to play with and against the best players with different skills, which helps her to keep on improving and bettering her craft.

News Archive

Diligence to be rewarded at the 2015 Spring Graduation
2015-09-15

The hard work of many students finally comes to fruition with this year’s spring graduation ceremonies taking place on Thursday 17 September 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus.

A total of 124 diplomas, 419 bachelors and 56 honours degrees will be conferred on graduates from all seven faculties of the University of the Free State (UFS). In addition to the 599 conferrals, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the world-renown American economist, will round out the number to 600 as the recipient of an honorary doctorate.  

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences wishes to express appreciation for his extensive contribution towards economic, social, and political development across borders with an honorary doctorate in Economics.

Prof Sachs has had a positive impact on global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights promotion, and governance through various platforms, including being a Special Advisor to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). He also served as the Secretary-General’s MDG Advocate and Commissioner of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Broadband Commission for Development.

In addition, Prof Sachs serves as the Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and Director of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. As an author, he has featured three times on the New York Times bestsellers list, and is the co-founder of the Millennium Promise Alliance, and drives the Millennium Villages Project as its Director.

Graduates should expect words of salutation and encouragement from our main speaker, the Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the university, Prof Jonathan Jansen.

Two ceremonies will take place in the Callie Human Centre at 09:00 and 14:00 respectively. Attendees of the afternoon ceremony will witness the conferment of Prof Sach’s degree. There is a live stream option available on the university’s website to individuals who are unable to attend the ceremonies.


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