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13 March 2020 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
Daniela and Stefan recognised by national quantity surveying organisation
Daniela Da Costa and Stéfan Olivier bagged the DJ Laing Memorial Scholarship for the 2020 academic year from the prestigious Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).
The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) plays a vital role in the building industry in South Africa and aims to advance and promote the science and practice of Quantity Surveying and cognate matters in the country.

University of the Free State (UFS) second-year Quantity Surveying students, Daniela da Costa and Stéfan Olivier, were awarded DJ Laing Memorial Scholarships for the 2020 academic year by the prestigious association. 

The scholarship advocates for the education and development of Quantity Surveying students by providing those exemplifying academic merit and ongoing dedication to the profession through financial assistance. 

Karl Trusler, Edutech Director for ASAQS, says in addition to being academically strong, both Da Costa and Olivier have demonstrated leadership and good character through their work experience, sports achievements, and community involvement. “We believe that they have the potential to make a great contribution to the future of the Quantity Surveying profession,” he added.

“I was having a pretty bad Monday when I received the call from ASAQS telling me that I had been awarded the scholarship. At that point, I don't think I realised quite what had happened and didn't really have words to describe my happiness,” reflected Olivier. 

He went on to say, “I can only hope that it will show people that I am a hardworking, dedicated, and trustworthy person.” Governed by his practical and problem-solving mind, Olivier believes that he will make an excellent quantity surveyor one day. 
Fellow scholarship recipient Da Costa says she would like to break the glass ceiling in her career and encourage young girls to pursue their education in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field. 

Da Costa described the qualities which set her apart from others as her intellectual curiosity. “I am enthusiastic about attaining knowledge about every subject matter possible, which creates a genuine interest in Quantity Surveying,” she explained.
Trusler further mentioned that ASAQS has a free student membership category. He encouraged Kovsies studying towards a Quantity Surveying qualification to join the association to enjoy the wide range of resources and opportunities available to them.

News Archive

Qwaqwa Campus honours academic excellence
2014-05-21


Photo: Sonia Small (Kaleidoscope Studios)

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      Our Qwaqwa Campus was this past weekend a hive of activity when graduates, their parents and well-wishers descended on the campus to honour outstanding academic excellence during the Winter Graduation ceremonies.

      On Friday graduates from the Faculty of Humanities, as well as the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, were addressed by Tommy Makhatho, Managing Director of the Qwaqwa-based Bibi Cash and Carry.

      Makhatho urged graduates to continue working hard way beyond their graduation day and to dream big.

      “Dream big and don’t let your poor background hold you back,” Makhatho said.

      “Don’t let people say you can’t or that you will fail. Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea, let your brain, muscle, nerves and every part of your body be full of that idea and leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success. If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs,” said Makhatho, the winner of the 2013 Sanlam/Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year and Job Creator of the Year awards.

      On Saturday, graduates were treated to yet another moving message by eNCA’s news anchor, Mabale Moloi, herself a graduate in Biological sciences.

      “If there is one ability that we should all practice on a daily basis, it is work ethics. This is a value based on hard work and diligence,” Moloi said.

      Moloi further shared her views on what makes excellent work ethics.

      “There are five very important factors of work ethics that we all need to be aware of. One of them is reliability. This means how committed you are to completing a task that is given to you within a particular period of time,” said Moloi.

      “The second one is dedication. This means how prepared you are to go the extra mile in completing a job or your studies. Thirdly, one’s level of productivity is very important in having an excellent work ethic. This refers to giving the best of yourself, even to the extent of surpassing what is expected of you.”

      “Fourthly, there is co-operation. We all must understand the value of team work and how it leads to success. And this, when paired with character, self-discipline and strong personality, will distinguish you from anyone else,” Moloi added.

      Among the more than 800 degrees, diplomas and certificates conferred, were three PhDs in Physics, Polymer Science and Zoology, respectively. Four Masters of Science degrees were conferred cum laude.

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