A medical doctor, an economist, an author, and experts in the fields of Information Technology, Education, Management and Sociology are the winners of this year’s
Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.
This is the 36th year that the UFS honours those alumni who are not only flying the Kovsie flag high, but are inspiring excellence and transforming lives.
Chancellor’s Challenge
UFS Chancellor
Dr Khotso Mokhele had a sobering message for those who attended the awards ceremony on 8 September. He shared how, on a recent visit to the US, he had a chance to visit the campus of Facebook in Seattle, and heard how every year Facebook received more than two million CVs from prospective employees – 98% of whom sported A-average grades. Management then confided in him that they never hired a CV, but rather a mindset.
“They sift through all those applications, looking for someone with a vision to disrupt the status quo,” Mokhele said. “This continent will be left behind if we don’t adopt that mindset – that confidence that borders on arrogance – that we can change the world. Are we ready for that challenge?”
The recipients in the various categories are:
Chancellor's Distinguished Alumnus of the Year: Danie Meintjes – Former Group Chief Executive Officer of
MediclinicCum Laude AwardsDr Mafu Rakometsi ¬ Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (
Umalusi)
Dr Suzanne Staples, Principal Investigator at the Tuberculosis & HIV Investigative Network (
THINK)
Kovsie Ambassador AwardsTshepo Moloi – Economist at the
South African Reserve BankBertus Jacobs – Chief Technology Officer at
IoT.nxtGustav Wilson, Regional Head (Development and Care)
Department of Correctional Services
Executive Management AwardProf Dave Lubbe – Research Fellow and Professor at
UFS School of Accountancy.
Young Alumnus of the YearAce Moloi – Author and literary consultant