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23 September 2020 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Participants in the third Amazing Race travelled through the African continent, experiencing Africa’s roots and its rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures

During the third Amazing Race presented by Organisational Development and Employee Wellness, staff had the opportunity to virtually travel through Africa. 

The aim of the race with the theme, A Journey through Africa, was to celebrate South Africa and Africa’s roots and its rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures. 

Natasha Nel, organisational development specialist and organiser of the race, says they wanted to give the 13 participating teams the opportunity to explore, learn, create, and be challenged together as they travel to some of the most interesting and exotic locations around Africa, but also in South Africa. 

Here in our own country, teams had the opportunity to experience our culture as well as the diversity of beliefs and traditions.


Here in our own country, teams had the opportunity to experience our culture as well as the diversity of beliefs and traditions.

Interactive and exciting event

Nel says staff could join the race in the convenience of their personal working space via a Zoom meeting. “They only needed to download the game that was specifically tailored for the UFS.” 

“It was a fun, interactive, and exciting event. In this unique adventure, it was interesting to see how teams worked together, made decisions, and also thought outside the box during the challenges,” she says.

Nel explains that teams were requested to take photos, answer questions, and make decisions unique to Africa and their culture. Some decisions and answers were timed. They also had to decide where they wanted to travel, but each decision and option had its costs, reward, and challenge linked to it.

We are the champions

Chanel Lewis, Aneke Kruger, Runé van der Merwe, and Lischen du Randt walked away as winners of the third Amazing Race. 

By participating in this race, the university has sponsored 13 breakfasts for the Community Chest of South Africa (this organisation’s mission is to inspire and facilitate community giving for community enhancement).


News Archive

Bright young mind shines
2016-12-12

Description:Candice Thikeson  Tags: Bowls  longdesc=


Candice Thikeson, a Master’s
student in Arts History and
Image Studies at the University
of the Free State.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

“I was once told that I looked ‘immaculate’, as always. We use the word ‘immaculate’ to describe the Virgin Mary, does it get better than that?”

To everyone else, she may be a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Bright Young Mind and Abe Bailey Travel Bursary candidate, but there is more to this beauty that meets the eye.

Relating to women in the humanities field

Candice Thikeson, who is currently a Master’s student in Art History and Image Studies, says “I have a very strong spiritual foundation and my relationship with God really fuels everything I do. I also think being intentional about building great relationships with your family and friends is imperative.”

She says she has been inspired by different people at different stages of her life and draws a great deal from academics, creatives and activists. She relates best to women who are in the humanities and draws inspiration from the likes of Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Kenya-born, Somalian poet Warsan Shire.

“I love how they are able to comment on some of the most pressing issues black women face through beautiful and poignant writing. I also admire how frank these women are, something I’m still learning to be,” Thikeson says.

Pursue something you are genuinely interested in

The biggest misconception people have of her is that she studies art and she is working towards becoming an artist. “Fine art and art history is not the same thing. I don’t paint or make art at university, and I really don’t enjoy being called an artist.”

When asked about how she has become so successful at such a young age, she reiterated the cliché: “pursue something you are genuinely interested in and passionate about”. She adds, “if you are really good at what you do, your gift will make room for you in your field”.

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