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14 August 2019 | Story Ruan Bruwer | Photo Comrades Marathon
Gerda Steyn
Gerda Steyn, winner of both the Two Oceans and Comrades ultramarathons in 2019.
Former Kovsie, Gerda Steyn, winner of the 2019 Two Oceans and Comrades ultramarathons, is excited to be part of a new era of female athletes in South Africa. She shares some personal insights:

What are some of your early childhood lessons?
 
“I learned early in my life that you have to work hard to be successful, it doesn’t just happen by itself. Also, there will be difficult days, so appreciate the good days and never take anything for granted.”

What inspires you? 

“Getting the most I can out of my body and seeing how close I can get to competing with the best athletes in the world.”

What does a future South Africa look like for you as a woman? 

“Women (especially in sport) are on the rise; we are experiencing a new era of female athletes in South Africa, and it is very exciting to be a part of it. We have many talented women here and developing these talents should be the number one priority if we want to have more success stories in the future. Sport brings hope and South Africa needs this more than ever.”

Tell us something about you that no one knows? 

“I have never been to a hospital for any reason other than visiting someone (and for my birth).”

What does success mean to you? 

“Success to me means not giving up until you reach your own targets, regardless of others’ goals or ideas. It means making the impossible a reality, and breaking barriers that positively impacts your life and the lives of others.”

What is the most important lesson you have learned and who is your mentor? 

“I learned that you always have to keep on going and that there will always be an excuse not to show up; but if you really want something, you need to give 110%! 

My mentor and coach is Nick Bester, manager of Nedbank Running Club and winner of the Comrades Marathon in 1992.”

News Archive

UFS works closely with employees in the post-Reitz settlement process
2013-05-20

20 May 2013

In the light of an article in IOL News on 18 and 19 May 2013 and in Sunday Independent and Sunday Tribune on 19 May 2013 in which it is alleged that the University of the Free State (UFS) has failed to honour its commitment to the five Reitz employees we are pleased to report on the ongoing process and progress made with respect to their employment.

The university remained consistently true to the settlement agreement and High Court order of 2011 and cannot apologise for complying with the law. It was therefore impossible for us to talk to our colleagues directly until last week when we had a breakthrough meeting, which was cleared by the Human Rights Commission (HRC), and matters were resolved.

The UFS continues to work closely and now directly with the five employees to ensure that their rights as employees remain the highest priority in the post-settlement process.
 
All but one of the conditions of the Reitz settlement (own business) has already been met; however, we are in the process of providing training and support for the establishment of an independent business led by the employees.

After some delays, and frustration on all sides, we have found the right training provider for them and are satisfied that the process remains on track. The business office (furnished) has been allocated at the South Campus in Bloemfontein.

Already in late 2012 the Chair of the HRC expressed his satisfaction with the commitments made by the university to the process. By 30 June 2013 this outstanding commitment to establish an independent company with trained employees would also have been met in full.

Beyond the settlement agreement, the UFS has also committed to providing free education and training to the children of the employees so that their next generation of families emerge as strong, independent, well-trained and productive members of society. The child of one of the colleagues is in fact finishing Grade 12 this year and we are in discussion about possible studies at the UFS. This is our pledge and commitment as a university.

This final step in the post-Reitz settlement is being led by Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector of the University of the Free State.

 

Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director Strategic Communication
Tel: +27 (0) 51 401 2584 / +27 (0) 83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za
Fax: +27 (0) 51 444 6393
Web: www.ufs.ac.za

 

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