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'The closest I will come to doing magic’

12 April 2019 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Johan Roux

The post-school life of Francois de Beer, one of the graduates in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences who obtained his qualification in Chemistry and Biochemistry during the April graduation ceremonies, can be seen as one great act of ‘magic’. Other people may describe it as coincidence with a couple of miracles as the end result.

An opportunity

After completing his schooling at Hoërskool Fichardtpark in 2008, Francois decided to study at the University of the Free State (UFS). “Kovsies gave me the opportunity when nobody else would,” said Francois.

He did not have Maths subjects at school but wished to study in a Science field. “It is the closest one will ever come to doing magic,” he said.

The human element

Francois, who initially did not perform very well academically, did a bridging course in Mathematics and since then achieved distinctions in all his subjects. He related his story: “I did not have any Maths subjects at school, therefore it was very difficult for me to get to this path. The big difference was that Ms Elzmarie Oosthuizen from the UFS bridging programme saw something in me when nobody else did. She gave me the opportunity to do the Mathematics course, after which I was able to further continue on the Science path.”

“I would definitely recommend the UFS to other prospective students. I think Kovsies has a human element that really looks after students,” Francois said.

Francois is currently pursuing his postgraduate studies in Chemistry. He wants to make a difference in the lives of other people, just as others made a difference in his life.

News Archive

Bloem Campus to host Color Run on 27 February 2016

2016-02-15

Two in millions: 2015 Color Runners doused and dressed in colours of the rainbow.
Photo: The Color Run photographer

Unleash your inner sparkle at The Color Run’s Varsity Tour. The University of the Free State is a proud host of the 2016 Bloemfontein edition. Be counted among the 5 million Color Runners worldwide who walk, skip, shimmy, or hop for five kilometres in the name of fun and charity.

The Color Run is the largest series of events in the world promoting healthiness and happiness. Arina Engelbrecht, Chief Officer at the Health and Wellness Centre, believes that “active people are happy people.” Consequently, she encourages students, staff members, and the community to join in the festivities.

Run to make a difference

Wearing white and being doused from head to toe in the colours of the rainbow while exercising is a very different way of extending a helping hand to those in need. For every ticket sold, R10 will be donated to the No Student Hungry campaign by The Color Run and Capitec Bank.

After running through four colour stations, a spectacular show awaits you at the finish line. The Finish Festival is a combination of colour throws, rainbows, glitter, music, and dancing.

The Color Run takes place on:

Date: 27 February 2016
Time: 16:00
Place: Cricket Grounds, Bloemfontein Campus.

Tickets are available online: www.thecolorrun.co.za at R250 for the public, R190 for students, including a goodie bag, or R90 without a goodie bag. Children under 10 years of age enter free. You will receive a R200 coupon to spend on The Color Run goodies or any product of your choice. Goodie bags may be collected at the Cricket Grounds from 25 February 2016.

For more information, contact hello@thecolorrun.co.za.

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