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02 September 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa
Precious  Lesupi
“Being a humanitarian cost you absolutely nothing.” – Precious Lesupi

University of the Free State (UFS) second-year BA Journalism student, Precious Lesupi from Kanana in the North-West, is a self-proclaimed ‘lover of people.’ She chose to spend her 21st birthday with disadvantaged children afflicted by life-threatening and life-limiting conditions at Bloemfontein’s Sunflower Children’s Hospice.  

Precious explains that her self-developed and coordinated charity and donation drive dubbed ‘Sunflower’s 21st’, was born in commemoration of her father who passed away after suffering from cancer. Her donation drive is aimed at catering for the medical needs of children battling chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer. The campaign will run until 2 November 2019, which marks this year's International Children's Day.

Her own personal experiences with genetic illnesses and diseases have been severely trying. But she believes her different life experiences and her family orientation have helped to shape her into being the vibrant, empathetic, philanthropic, and strong-willed young woman she is today.

Her goal is to continue initiating positive, life-enriching experiences for the less fortunate – especially children. 

Precious simultaneously drove another campaign alongside Sunflower’s 21st, called the Winter Jacket Challenge, which aimed to provide the homeless with jackets and warm clothing for winter. 

The embodiment of a clear benevolent spirit that burns to create positive memories and experiences for the less fortunate.

If you would like to contribute Precious’ initiative contact: 0815372500 

News Archive

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for Kovsie student
2011-10-25

 

Jaco Griessel, our Mandela Rhodes Scholarship winner
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation has honoured Kovsie student Jaco Griessel with a prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for 2012. This student from the Odeion School of Music is one of 23 students on the continent to receive the prestigious award this year. The scholarship is awarded to young Africans who demonstrate academic and leadership potential.

Griessel, who is currently busy with his B.Mus honours degree, is an achiever of note with many accomplishments to his name. In 2010 Griessel won the Fanie Beetge Prize for best undergraduate student in systematic music studies. A year before that he received the same prize for best undergraduate student in historical music studies. The 25-year old Griessel will continue his studies at our university next year with a master’s degree, specialising in music composition. The Kovsie student says his dream is to compose music one day. He writes anything from classical, light to jazz music.

With the scholarship, Griessel gets access to leadership development programmes and an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of fellow scholars spanning the continent and academic disciplines. The scholarship further provides for study and registration costs, study material, accommodation and a personal allowance.

Message from Sannah Mokone (One of two UFS Rhodes Scholars)
Dear Prof Jansen, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you and the UFS on Jaco Griessel's reception of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, wow!!! What a fantastic opportunity!

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