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18 February 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
First year Kovsie students
From top left - Kamvelihle Sikrweqe; top right - Chloe Gagiamo; bottom left - Bronwyn du Plessis; bottom right - Lutho Mvalo

A student’s first year out of high school and in university is always characterised by a sea of unlimited opportunities, emotions, and decision-making. We took to the streets of the Bloemfontein Campus to find out why the UFS was their preferred academic choice.

“I recently realised that I’m not an engineer or a doctor, but I’m a problem solver; I just wanted to study something different that would offer me great opportunities in life. I’m very open to learning more about myself and my degree, and the career that I will lead. I chose the UFS because they made me feel important, they showed that they care, the support here is crazy and I need that right now.” – First-year Actuarial Science student, Kamvelihle Sikrweqe

“I’m originally from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape, and I chose this university because I heard about the quality of service provided to students; when I got here, I experienced it for myself. The campus environment is so warm and inviting, I’m loving this place already.” – First-year Psychology and English major, Lutho Mvalo

“I chose to study Education because I have a big passion for children, and I believe the change in our country can only start with them. I’m from Bloemfontein and my family is here too. The university is central to everything in the country, but because of this city and the tightknit community at the UFS, I felt like this university was for me – because I believe in unity and working together.” – First-year Education (Foundation Phase) student, Chloe Gagiamo

“I chose the UFS because of the quality of lecturers the university has. They are on a higher level than any other university, and I really feel confident that I will get a good education here. I recently joined the Imperium day residence, and I plan on joining the choir; I am in it to win it!” – First-year Education (Foundation Phase) student, Bronwyn du Plessis 

News Archive

Former UFS Dean awarded SAAWK medal for contribution to Bible translation work
2016-05-09

Description: Prof Hermie van Zyl Tags: Prof Hermie van Zyl

Prof Hermie van Zyl
Photo: Eugene Seegers

Prof Hermie van Zyl, former Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State (UFS), was recently awarded the Ds Pieter van Drimmelen medal by the South African Academy of Science and Arts (SAAWK) for his contribution to Afrikaans Bible translation and other translation work.

Prof Van Zyl was part of the team that published the Interlinear translation of the Bible (New Testament) in Greek and Afrikaans. This translation takes the reader from the original text (Greek), to an almost verbatim version, to a rough translation, and, ultimately, to a more polished, finished translation in the target language of Afrikaans.

Other translations Prof Van Zyl has been involved in include the Afrikaans Bible for the Deaf (published in 2008), the direct translation of the Bible (of which the New Testament and the Psalms have already been published), the New Living Translation, the Parallel New Testament, and the Reference Bible. He is the first lecturer from the Faculty of Theology at the UFS to receive an award from the SAAWK.

“It is a wonderful privilege and an honour and really came out of nowhere,” said Prof Van Zyl. He added that he is grateful that, amongst all the wonderfully talented people at the UFS, he could make a modest contribution. He mentioned that the collegial conversations, seminars, and other discussions in the faculty over the years, were very stimulating. He singled out Prof Jan du Rand and Prof Francois Tolmie (another former Dean of the Faculty and long-time colleague in the department of New Testament Studies) as inspiration.

The official presentation of the medal will take place in the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria on 29 June 2016.

Prof Van Zyl was employed in the Faculty of Theology at the UFS for 29 years until his retirement in 2013. He is currently a Research Fellow in the Department of New Testament, and still lectures on occasion.

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