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Ups and downs, gains and losses, and an LLB degree later

19 April 2021 | Story NONSINDISO QWABE | Photo Supplied

Tshepang 2_web read more — LLB graduate Tshepang Mahlatsi

‘Be loyal to your calling and the universe will locate you.’ This slogan is the mantra that University of the Free State LLM student, Tshepang Mahlatsi, lives by. It is also this slogan that carried him through a tumultuous journey during the pursuit of his LLB degree, which he received during the Bloemfontein Campus graduation ceremony on 19 April.

Mahlatsi began his LLB degree in 2014, but he had to take a break from his academics in 2016 after being clinically diagnosed with depression. He obtained his qualification in 2020. Mahlatsi said 2016 was a year that started on a high note for him as a third-year Law student and newly elected prime for Tswelopele residence, but quickly took a downward dive when he found himself overwhelmed by leadership demands – coupled with the simultaneous loss of loved ones and constant academic pressure. It ultimately led to a breakdown, forcing him to put his studies on hold. "I am graduating with my LLB after life-changing events in my undergraduate years – from student politics, depression, and PTSD, to starting a mental-health organisation and using both CUADS and Kovsie Counselling support services to come back to ‘normalcy’.”

He said the year-long break from his studies left him feeling discouraged as he watched his peers and classmates progress and graduate. "It was the most difficult thing to do to remind myself that I wasn't stupid."

"This journey exposed a lot about myself; it exposed that with determination and resilience, you can achieve what you set out to achieve. I had to persevere not because I wanted to, but because my family has never seen a graduate. I was doing this for them; to give them something they've never had,” he said.

UFS support services can save lives

Mahlatsi would like more students to make use of the UFS support services and not crumble under mental-health problems. "I hope to inspire students to use their support services and not be ashamed – services such as CUADS and Student Counselling and Development. I hope to inspire student leaders and students to realise that you can be a well-rounded student and still have challenges, but eventually, success awaits us all."

News Archive

UFS Alumni honours four former Kovsies

2008-04-11

The University of the Free State (UFS) will honour four old Kovsies during the Kovsie Alumni Gala Awards dinner on Friday, 16 May 2008.

UFS Alumni chose Juan Smith as the 2007 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year. Dr Sherylle Calder, Dr Derick Coetzee and Prof. André Claassen will each receive the Kovsie Cum Laude Award. This award is made to honour UFS alumni for exceptional achievements and contributions to the UFS.

Juan Smith, member of the victorious World Cup Springbok team and captain of the 2007 Vodacom Free State Cheetahs Currie Cup winners, will receive the 2007 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year award. This award is made to a Kovsie alumnus for outstanding performance on national or international level. Smith made his Springbok debut in 2003 and has received much praise for his contribution to the side since then.

Dr Sherylle Calder and Dr Derick Coetzee will both receive the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award. Both have played a key role in the preparation and conditioning of the Springbok team. Dr Calder has also been highly successful as part of the coaching unit for the English rugby team that won the World Cup in 2003, and the coaching team for the Australian cricket side. She is a pioneer in the field of visual awareness. Dr Coetzee has been the fitness conditioning expert for the Springbok team for the past four years. The success of the team in the World Cup is a testament to his achievements.

Prof. André Claassen will also be honoured with a Cum Laude Award for his contribution in the advancement of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. He has many personal achievements in his discipline and has received several national and international awards, including one for the first cochlear implants in the Free State. The Cum Laude Award is given to an alumnus for outstanding service or achievement on local, national or international level in his/her field or discipline.

The Gala Awards dinner is a public event and will take place in the Reitz Hall of the Centenary Complex on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Microsoft is co-sponsor of the event. Those who are interested in attending can contact Ms Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or alumni@fus.ac.za.

For information regarding the Kovsie Alumni Annual General Meeting, please contact Ms Annanda Calitz 051 401 3382 or Mr Lucas Radebe at 051 401 3751.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454

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