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11 September 2018
Congratulations UFS GradStar students
In 2018, the UFS boasts 20 students in the top 100 who were selected for the,GradStar programme, compared to last year’s five.

Every year 100 South African students are selected through a rigorous four-phase judging process to become part of the GradStar programme. The programme is designed to provide previously unrecognised students with opportunities for employment and allow them to contribute positively to South Africa’s future growth. 

UFS students improve dramatically 

The 100 students selected show the most potential as future leaders in their respective fields. Besides academic achievement, entrants are also evaluated in terms of various soft skills including motivation, discipline, altruism, and attitude. The combination of all the judgement criteria promises to deliver top candidates for future employers. In 2018, the University of the Free State (UFS) boasts 20 students in the top 100, compared to last year’s five. 

Ready to make a difference

Each student will be connected with a business mentor to further ready them for the workplace. The entire process not only prepares graduates for employment, but also provides them an opportunity for self-knowledge and recognising their own strengths and weaknesses. The top 100 will compete for a spot in the “Ten of the Finest” to be announced on 26 September 2018.

Our best wishes accompany the following UFS students in the top 100: 

Bongani Sithole: Bachelor of Science
Carlo Visser: Bachelor of Science
Christian Cookson: Bachelor of Commerce
Elsa Moitsemang: Bachelor of Commerce
Jon-Dylon Petersen: Bachelor of Science
Joseph Alappattu: Bachelor of Science
Joshua Owusu-Sekyere: Bachelor of Commerce
Josiah Meyer: Bachelor of Science
Kayurin Govender: Bachelor of Commerce
Keshalia Naidoo: Bachelor of Arts

Lise-Mari Otto: Bachelor of Education
Meredith Green: Bachelor of Laws 
Nduduzo Kubheka: Bachelor of Science
Onalenna Lephoro: Bachelor of Laws 
Razia Adriaanse: Master of Laws
Refiloe Maqelepo: Bachelor of Commerce
Sajel Singh: Bachelor of Commerce Law
Sivuyile Mpatheni: LLB
Tebello Ntene: Bachelor of Science
Tshireletso Bogatsu: Bachelor of Accounting

News Archive

Kovsie Alumni honoured
2011-09-05

 

Kovsie Cum Laude winner Maurice Carpede shows his award. With him is Naude de Klerk(left), Kovsie Alumni Chairperson. 
Photo: Foto 24

Dr John Purchase, Chief Executive of the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce, was honoured as Kovsie Alumnus of the Year by the University of the Free State (UFS) during the annual Kovsie Alumni Awards Dinner on 2 September 2011. Dr Purchase and four other former Kovsies were honoured for exceptional achievements and contributions made to the UFS at this glittering event.

The well-known columnist Mr Willem Theron who writes columns for Beeld and Volksblad, was honoured with the Kovsie Ambassador Award. Another well-known Kovsie, the radio and television personality Mr Maurice Carpede was honoured with the Kovsie Cum Laude Award. Carpede shares this award with Mr Koert Pretorius, Chief Executive of Mediclinic South Africa, they received the award jointly. Mr Arie van der Bijl, retired Financial Director of the UFS, was honoured with the Alumnus Award for exceptional service delivered to the UFS.
 
Dr Purchase, who was unable to attend the award ceremony, expressed his appreciation in a pre-recorded message. He said that Kovsies taught him how to be a leader. Theron, a marketer for the Kovsie Alumni Trust who received the Centenary Medal from the UFS in 2004, said in his acknowledgement speech that he feels humbled by this award. He said Kovsies became both his home and his family.
 
Both Carpede and Pretorius mentioned the impact Kovsies had on their lives. Carpede said he became a Kovsie in the years of transition, a time when words like “whites only” were printed on some doors, but despite all of that, he learnt that not all whites were bad. Pretorius, who was honoured for his contribution to private healthcare in the country, said that Kovsies were the key that unlocked several doors for him.  

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