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UFS is truly proud of our Springboks

30 October 2019 | Story Ruan Bruwer | Photo Sonia Small

Like the rest of the country, we are behind our Springboks all the way. This is what Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), told alumnus Rassie Erasmus in a letter this week.

Prof Petersen wrote the letter to Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, to wish him everything of the best in the team’s preparation and for the game on Saturday (2 November 2019) at which they face England in the Rugby World Cup final in Japan.

"On behalf of the staff and students of the University of the Free State, I would like to wish you and the Springbok team all the best with your preparations this week and for the final. I know that Saturday’s match will be played with vigour and determination,” Prof Petersen wrote.

Prof Petersen said the UFS community was extremely proud of the Springboks’ achievements during the 2019 Rugby World Cup – especially with Erasmus at the helm of the team. The Boks defeated Japan in the quarter-final and Wales in the semi-final to reach their first final since 2007.

“As a former Shimla player and Kovsie Alumnus of the Year 1998, we are truly proud of what you have achieved during your career in South African rugby, and especially during the World Cup tournament. We are also proud of our other alumni – Jacques Nienaber as defence coach, and referee Jaco Peyper.”

Peyper refereed one of the quarter-finals and will be an assistant referee in the bronze medal play-off between New Zealand and Wales on 1 November 2019.

Under Erasmus the Springboks won the Rugby Championship this year, the first time since 2010. Erasmus and Nienaber have a long relationship. They met in the army in 1991. Later Nienaber served as physiotherapist with the Shimlas and Erasmus captained the team. They worked together at the Cheetahs, Cats, Stormers, Munster and now the Springboks.

News Archive

Dean of student affairs leaves the UFS after 29 years

2008-12-11

Prof. Teuns Verschoor (left), Acting Rector of the UFS, and Dr Luyt during his farewell function. Prof. Verschoor and Dr Luyt worked together in student affairs at the UFS for 26 years. Prof. Verschoor was Dean of Student Affairs before Dr Luyt took over the reigns from him.

Photo: Lacea Loader

The Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Free State (UFS), Dr Natie Luyt, will be leaving the university after 29 years of service.

Dr Luyt decided to retire in order to spend more time with his wife, Ria, and his family. He will also be involved with his farm on a full-time basis.

“I have experienced a lot during my career and have learnt a lot from the staff and students at the UFS. There are students of exceptional quality at the university and it was a privilege to work with these young people. It was also a privilege to see the UFS grow to become the exceptional institution it is today,” Dr Luyt said during his farewell function this week.

Dr Luyt started working at the Department of Political Science of the UFS in 1980 and was appointed as Director of Student Affairs in 1997 and in 2005 as Dean of Student Affairs. During this time he was also closely involved with the Abraham Fischer Residence, where he was residence head since 1982.

Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, said in his farewell message that the UFS has appreciation for Dr Luyt’s decades of service. “Dr Luyt had a meaningful life at the UFS. We have appreciation for his ability to deal with difficult cases and for his kind heart where student affairs are concerned. He will be remembered for the way in which he always knew what went on in the residences and that he always put the needs of students first,” said Prof. Verschoor.

Dr Choice Makhetha, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, will act as dean until the post is filled.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
                Assistant Director: Media Liaison
                Tel: 051 401 2584
                Cell: 083 645 2454
                E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
11 December 2008

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