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17 December 2020
Health sciences
The more than 100 medical students who graduated virtually from the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences on Monday (14 December), graduated with a pass rate of 98% in a tumultuous year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MB ChB class of 2020 – a total of 104 students from the School of Clinical Medicine – graduated virtually on Monday due to COVID-19.

The more than 100 medical students who graduated virtually from the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences on Monday (14 December), graduated with a pass rate of 98% in a tumultuous year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MB ChB class of 2020 – a total of 104 students from the School of Clinical Medicine – graduated virtually on 14 December due to COVID-19. Another virtual graduation is scheduled for 4 January 2021.

An uncomfortable reality
Dr Lynette van der Merwe, undergraduate medical programme director in the School of Clinical Medicine at the UFS, congratulated the latest UFS doctors on their success. Said Dr Van der Merwe: “In a tumultuous year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this group of final-year medical students refused to give in to the pressure and disruption of national lockdown, emergency remote teaching, an adjusted academic calendar, and frontline exposure as healthcare professionals in training.”  

“They persevered against all odds, faced up to an uncomfortable reality, and showed remarkable resilience.”

According to Dr Van der Merwe, the class of 2020 completed the gruelling five-year medical programme with a pass rate of 98,3%, impressing external examiners who commented on their respectful attitude towards patients and thorough knowledge and skill.  

“The School of Clinical Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences are immensely proud of our new colleagues and look forward to their contribution to the future of healthcare in South Africa. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the academic and support staff who guided our students and led the way for them to achieve a life-long dream.”  

“We look back with gratitude on a year that required more than the usual amount of adaptability, creativity, innovation, faith, patience, bravery, and endurance.  It is these qualities that set apart the doctors who graduate from the UFS, and those who train them,” says Dr Van der Merwe.

Hope for the future
She says while COVID-19 is still a harsh reality and the future holds much uncertainty, 2020 has shown that there is hope when we face challenges with grace under pressure, and a firm belief in our goals and values. “Class of 2020, may you continue to rise above fear, chaos and disappointment, may you take heart and walk your journey with strength, may you bring healing to our people and lead us well.”

Drs Kaamilah Joosub and Lynette Upman, who also graduated on Monday, were awarded the prestigious Bongani Mayosi Medical Students Academic Prize – a national award which aims to recognise final-year medical students who epitomise the academic, legendary, and altruistic life of the late Prof Mayosi. The awards are presented to final-year MB ChB students from all South African medical faculties. This is the first year it has been awarded.

View the virtual graduation

News Archive

Rag 2005
2005-01-20

20 January
Thursday

08:00-12:00 Rag Workshop - Westblock 202

Workshops are held to introduce the First Year
students to the work that is done by Rag & Kovsco
and the importance of their social responsibility towards their community.

10:30-11:30 Lettie Fouchè

The Central Rag committee visits and treats the children of Lettie Fouchè School.

Evening Collections - Mochacos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door
to door collections in the neighbourhoods of
Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as
chickens and prizes can be won every night.


21 January
Friday

08:00-12:00 Rag Workshop - Westblock 202

Workshops are held to introduce the First Year
students to the work that is done by Rag & Kovsco
and the importance of their social responsibility towards their community.


22 January
Saturday

08:30 for 09:00 Ladies Tea
in conjunction with Sarie
co-sponsored by Audi & Pick’nPay Hypermarket

An enjoyable morning where the ladies of Bloemfontein and surrounding areas are treated with beautiful
layed tea tables and guest artists. The host of every table participate in a competition and prize winners for the most beautiful tables are announced. The guest artist for Ladies Tea 2005 is Nataniel.


24 January
Monday Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door to door collections in the neighbourhoods of Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as chickens and prizes can be won every night.

25 January
Tuesday
08:30-16:00 MGD Coronation Ball tickets for sale
29 January 2005
Sand du Plessis Theatre
R260 per couple

The prestige evening of Kovsie Rag filled with
great music, sound and a vibrant show. The MGD
Rag Queen and her princesses are crowned and Rag
also makes use of this opportunity thank its
sponsors.

16:00 Vote for Rag Finalists at men’s hostels float-
building areas

Students have the opportunity to vote for their
favourite Rag finalists at the float building areas.

17:00-22:00 Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door
to door collections in the neighbourhoods of
Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as
chickens and prizes can be won every night.


26 January
Wednesday

22:00 MGD Rag Finalist Mass - Scholtz Hall

An exciting mass is held for the students to introduce
the 10 beautiful Rag finalists.

27 January
Thursday

08:00 Ritsim Launch - City Lodge

Ritsim 2005 is launched and introduced to the
UFS Top Management and the sponsors.

09:00-16:00 Campus vote for MGD Rag Finalists at various
voting stations.

Various voting stations are placed on campus for the students to vote for their favourite MGD Rag finalists.

Voting stations: Callie Human; Soetdoring Cafeteria; Library; Medical Cafeteria and at the Thakaneng Bridge.

17:00-22:00 Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years collect money for charity


28 January
Friday Ritsim Bloemfontein City Sales

6:30 Brace your self for the students around every corner
on the streets of Bloemfontein. Support Kovsie RAG
and buy a Ritsim 2005 magazine.
R10 per copy

16:00-22:00 Potjiekos - Vodacom & Tiger Brands
(Unite for Hunger)
Coca Cola Fortune & ABSA

Students enjoy a great evening of potjiekos and try their best to persuade the judges that their potjiekos is the best. Music and entertainment is organized.

29 January
Saturday

05:00 Ritsim Rural Town Sales

The students drive off into the country to sell the Ritsim magazines in various towns. R10 per copy.


18:00 for 18:30 MGD Coronation Ball
Sand du Plessis Theatre
R260 per couple

The crowning of the RAG Queen is a spectacular
evening not to be missed. It is an evening filled with
vibrant music and colour and you will also be treated
with a great show. Kovsie Rag also thanks its
sponsors on this prestige evening.


30 January
Monday

13:00-14:00 Sent placing - Thakaneng Bridge

Come and donate your change and it place it on a letter of a hostel of your choice.


5 February
Saturday

08:00-10:00 ENGEN RAG Procession

Proud Kovsie students have worked very hard on their floats and can’t wait for this day. Please come and enjoy a great day with Kovsie RAG and your family.

Procession Route: The Procession starts at the Kovsie Church. The procession proceeds in Nelson Mandela Drive and turn right into Markgraaff street. We then turn right into Kingsway and stop in front of the stage at the Art Market. Prof. Fourie introduces a toast on Rag 2005 and enjoys a glass of champagne with our
beautiful Rag Queen and her princesses.

Please support the first years in put your change into their collection tins.

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