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20 December 2022 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Supplied
Crystal-Donna Roberts
Crystal-Donna Roberts is a multifaceted lady. She appears regularly in soaps and is now a published author too. Speurder Sammi, an Afrikaans book written for early teens, explores themes such as anxiety, trauma, and pain.

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

Colloquium focuses on rural education
2012-10-10

Some of the international delegates during the second annual colloquium on rural education recently held at the Qwaqwa Campus.
10 October 2012

 The second edition of the Sustainable Rural Learning Ecologies (SuRLEc) Colloquium was held at the University of the Free State's Qwaqwa Campus this week. This three-day international event provided the Faculty of Education's postgraduate students with a platform to present their research and to learn from experienced researchers from all over the world.

In his opening address, the Faculty's Programme Head, Dr Dipane Hlalele, challenged all delegates to translate their research into achievable goals to address all the challenges facing rural education.

"Excellence in teaching and learning in a rural context remains a challenge for all sectors and levels of the education endeavour," Dr Hlalele said.

"Urban and metropolitan schools, colleges and universities may unintentionally structure their learning programmes in such a manner that they neglect rural attributes. This results in the marginalising of learners and students from rural environments. To complete the loop, these institutions are more likely to fail in preparing graduates for decisive contributions to sustainable rural learning ecologies," Dr Hlalele added.

The colloquium was officially opened by the Vice-Rector: External Relations, Dr Choice Makhetha, who highlighted the fact that the UFS was already doing its bit in levelling the learning playfields in higher education.

"We are aware that many of our students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds find it hard to cope at university. As a result, we are not waiting for them to come through to us. We are already in partnership with a number of schools where we help learners to improve their results," Dr Makhetha said.

The crucial role played by rural teachers was celebrated during a gala dinner to honour and acknowledge their efforts despite a myriad of daily challenges.

Ms Jabulile Mabaso (The Mills Primary Farm School) was honoured for 'Excellence in multi-grade teaching in Foundation and Intermediate phases'. Ms Rekha Mathew (Sibonakaliso Primary Farm School) and Mr Andries Motsoere (Tshebedisano Primary Farm School) were awarded for 'Excellence in managing multi-grade curriculum'.

The 2012 SuRLEc Honorary Award went to Ms Motshedisi Damane for her valuable contribution to the development of rural education in the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District. Last year's recipient was the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Dennis Francis.

Delegates and keynote speakers came from Thailand, Malaysia, the Unites States of America as well as the SADC countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho. South Africa was represented by the Universities of the North-West, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and CUT, amongst others.

 

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