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19 November 2018 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
Priscilla shoots for Graca Machel internship and scores big
“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.  

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UFS did well at the KKNK
2007-04-13

The Sanlam prizes for Afrikaans Theatre (SPAT) for new stage productions were recently awarded at the Absa Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) in Oudtshoorn. Lewensreg, a stage production of the University of the Free State (UFS), and one of the four finalists, received R100 000 for the best stage production for the second time since the inception of the KKNK. The UFS received this prize in 2005 as well. Mr Jan van Tonder, well-known novelist and writer of radio dramas, received the R20 000 award for best playwright and Prof. Nico Luwes, Departmental Chairperson of the UFS Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, was awarded the same amount as best director. The silver award in the best actor category, worth R10 000, went to Mr JP du Plessis, an Honors student in Drama at the UFS, for his role in Lewensreg. Ms Lancea Crafford, a student from the University of Stellenbosch (US), received the golden award for best actor for her role in the university’s production Die Maket.

During the award ceremony are, from the left: Ms Martie de Lange (Project Manager on behalf of Sanlam), Messrs Du Plessis, Rudie van Rensburg (Head: Sponsorships and Promotions at Sanlam) and Van Tonder; front: Ms Crafford and Prof. Luwes.

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