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Murder she wrote

20 December 2022 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Supplied

She loved mysteries from a young age. Growing up, Crystal- Donna Roberts was fond of Columbo and Murder she wrote. Roberts, who graduated with a BA Drama and Theatre Arts in 2005, says she had always liked the tricky puzzles Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew had to solve. She eagerly joined them on their missions page by page. Being an actress and having a busy schedule in front of cameras, Roberts actively decided to put time aside last year to write while participating in the Jakes Gerwel mentorship programme for upcoming authors. A lifelong dream came true when she wrote her debut novel, Speurder Sammi: Die blou steen (Detective Sammi: The blue stone). Tafelberg published her mystery-based story, which Roberts launched in September.

“Sammi is a teenager who lives with her artist aunt Valerie. The duo went on holiday visiting Oumie and Dedda in the Northern Cape. Although Sammi will miss her friends, April and Lerato, she is looking forward to a change of scenery. It will also distract her mind from the anticipation of waiting for acceptance at an art school she fancies. However, rural towns are full of surprises – and chancers.”

“There are teenage memories we seldom forget. The memory of growing pains is still vivid in my mind. I recall it and draw inspiration from it.”

Roberts doesn’t have set rituals when she writes. “I allow myself to do what my body and soul likes. Sometimes this means simply sitting down and enjoying a cup of tea.” Looking back on her fellowship, she discovered her love for creating new worlds and allowing the story to develop a storyline of its own. “I’ve learned I still have a lot to learn – this excites me. I also learned the importance of deadlines, even though they are scary.”

The former UFS student says she chose the Northern Cape as the setting for her story as it is one of the most beautiful parts of our country. “It is one of the prettiest parts of our country. I wanted my character to explore new horizons, but to remain between her loved ones when she goes through her healing and strengthening process.” Although Roberts is determined to write her second book, the details are still unknown. In the meantime, she enjoys reading Walter Russel’s The Secret of Light. She draws inspiration from Andrew Davidson’s The Gargoyle. “Apart from the story that deeply resonates with me, I can appreciate the detail in the story and Davidson’s writing style.”

To enquire about stockists selling Speurder Sammi, visit www.nb.co.za.

Presenter and television, theatre and film actress, Roberts is currently starring in kykNET’s drama series, Fraksie. She is also known for her roles in 7de Laan, Getroud Met Rugby, Montana, Vallei van Sluiers, Krotoa, and The Endless River.

News Archive

New Rector and Chancellor inaugurated at UFS

2003-02-07

NEW RECTOR AND CHANCELLOR INAUGURATED AT UFS

Newly inaugurated Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Prof Frederick Fourie, has recommitted the university to the service of the broader community, through the pursuit of academic excellence and contributing to building a non-racial, democratic and just South Africa.

To make this a reality Prof Fourie proposed a social contract or accord between university constituencies and the community to chart the way forward to establishing a university that can meet the challenges of a developing democracy.

Prof Fourie was speaking at his inauguration ceremony on the Bloemfontein campus, where the former Ambassador to the United States, Dr Franklin Sonn, was also inaugurated as Chancellor of the UFS.

The twin inauguration ceremony – the first in the history of the UFS - was attended by former President Nelson Mandela, Education Minister, Kader Asmal, Free State Premier Winki Direko, and the executive mayor of Mangaung, Mr Pappie Mokoena, who all endorsed the appointments as evidence of the transformation of the UFS.

According to Prof Fourie, the greatest contribution that any university could make to social and economic development in South Africa was by being an excellent university that encouraged critical inquiry, scientific knowledge as well as community service.

“So whilst we cherish and foster the continuity of the university as part of the ageold international tradition of universities, this University embraces its particular role in this country now, embraces the changes in the form and scope of its role in this crucial period of our history. We are committed to making a real difference to the new nation,” he said.

His vision for the UFS was “to be a university of excellence, equity and innovation – a leader in research, teaching, community service, adult learning, transformation, non-racialism, non-sexism, multi-culturality and multilingualism – a contributor to our country and our continent’s growth and development – a truly South African university”.

Prof Fourie said the recent incorporation of the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the North into the University of the Free State, which is the first such incorporation to take place, would contribute to broadening access for poor communities to higher education. Introducing an innovation to the inauguration ceremony, Prof Fourie and the UFS staff pledged to their commitment to excellence and justice, quality and equity. Fourie is the 13th Rector of the University of the Free State, succeeding Prof. Stef Coetzee, and Dr Sonn is the 6th Chancellor, succeeding Ms Winkie Direko, Premier of the Free State.

In his inaugural address, Dr Sonn said the significance of today’s ceremony was that the UFS - as a former institution of the Afrikaner – had chosen to walk the path of justice and not merely survival. “This university has seemingly liberated itself. It is inclusively South African.

He said the academic community must play its role of vigilance and not indifference”. Referring to the stature of former president Mandela in international affairs, Dr Sonn said: “We must bring the weight ot science and critical analysis and interpretation to bear in support of Madiba and other moral giants.”

Inauguration Speech by Prof. Frederick C.v.N. Fourie (PDF format)

Inauguration Speech by Dr Franklin A. Sonn (PDF format)

Statement by the Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal (PDF format)

Speech by Prof. Viljoen (PDF format)

Speech by Executive Mayor Mokoena - Mangaung Local Municipality (PDF format)

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