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19 November 2018
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Story Valentino Ndaba
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Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
“I’m an embodiment of the dreams of those whose lives have been marked by great struggles,and I want to propel and re-write the African child’s narrative.” - Priscilla Brandt
Priscilla Brandt, first-generation LLB graduate, saw the opportunity to upgrade her career through the Graca Machel Trust, and grabbed the bull by its horns. Brandt pitched her skills and expertise to one of the trust CEO’s who happened to be part of a GLS panel discussion which was held on the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Shortly afterwards, the organisation contacted her with an offer for a Legal and Governance research internship.
The Graca Machel Trust is an established Pan-African organisation that focuses on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership, and good governance. The trust functions under the leadership of Graca Machel, who is one of the world’s leading advocates for the rights of women and children and has stood as a social justice and political activist for years.
Brandt said her journey started in the township streets of Galeshewe, Kimberley, and was characterised by infinite difficulties and resolute challenges. However, her circumstances in no way deterred her from standing fervently in her trust and pursuit of a full and purpose-driven life.
According to Brandt, her university career involved working at several odd jobs concurrently in order to help take care of her family and to financially maintain herself throughout her varsity years. Despite her adverse circumstances, she managed to collect a vast array of domestic and international academic achievements.
She was the first female chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter at the UFS, served on the UFS F1 Leadership for Change programme, and represented the university in Japan. In addition to that, she formed part of a work and study-abroad programme in America for three months. She was a delegate to the International Youth Leadership Conference in the Czech Republic and was selected by the office of the Commonwealth Secretary General for the 33Sixty Conference in Singapore. Furthermore, she was nominated by the UK Humanitarian Affairs organisation to be part of the eighth University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.
Her knowledge and belief in her capabilities and work ethic drives Brandt to constantly challenge herself and strive for a life and character that embodies excellence.
New arrangements for diploma and graduation ceremony
2009-03-30
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn diploma and graduation ceremony will this year be held in the Arena on the South Campus (formerly known as the Vista Campus).
This arrangement has been made because of the large-scale renovations to the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.
The various graduation ceremonies will take place on 20, 21, 23 and 24 April 2009.
There will be no graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 22 April 2009 because of the national elections.
A total of 3 390 degrees, 640 diplomas and 25 doctorates will be conferred.
The full programme is as follows:
- Monday, 20 April 2009:
- From 08:30, a total of 365 degrees and one doctorate will be awarded to students from the Faculty of Education.
- At 14:30 on the same day 586 degrees and nine doctorates will be awarded to students in the Faculty of the Humanities.
- Tuesday, 21 April 2009:
- From 08:30, 107 students in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences will graduate. This includes students in BML, B.Admin., B.Pub. and related Honours degrees and all Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
- At 14:30, 617 students in B.Com., B.Acc. and related Honours degrees will graduate.
- Thursday, 23 April 2009:
- A total of 297 degrees and four doctorates will be awarded to students in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences’ fields of Agricultural and Building Sciences at 08:30.
- At 14:30, 447 degrees and six doctoral students in the same Faculty’s field of Natural Sciences will receive their degrees.
- Friday, 24 April 2009:
- From 08:30, 331 students and five doctorates in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology will graduate.
- At 14:30 on the same day, 640 diplomas will be awarded in all seven of the university’s faculties.
Academic dress can be collected from Monday, 6 April 2009 at the gown store in Rector’s Avenue (opposite Armentum Residence) weekdays between 08:00-16:00.
- Academic dress will not be available on the South Campus.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
30 March 2009