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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

And the Best Managed Residence is…
2014-10-27


As examinations draw near and the end of the year is around the corner, residences want to know who the best of the best is.

During the 2014 Residence Awards on 22 October, the UFS announced their best managed residences of the year at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Wag-’n-Bietjie walked away with the spoils of the evening, winning both best managed female residence, and best managed residence overall. Armentum claimed the title of best managed male residence, while Sonnedou was named as the best managed day residence.

Further results for overall best managed residences and other categories are as follows:

Best Managed Residence
Male Residences:

  1. Armentum
  2. JBM Hertzog
  3. Karee

Female Residences:

  1. Wag-‘n-Bietjie
  2. Roosmaryn
  3. Soetdoring

Day Residences:

  1. Sonnedou
  2. Imperium
  3. Marjolein

Overall Ranking:

  1. Wag-‘n-Bietjie
  2. Armentum
  3. Roosmaryn

College
  1. South College (Armentum, Emily Hobhouse, Marjolein, NJ vd Merwe, Villa Bravado)
  2. East College (Arista, JBM Hertzog, Kayalami, Roosmaryn, Legatum, Sonnedou)
    and North College (Madelief, Tswelopele, Vergeet-my-Nie, Veritas, Welwitschia)
  3. Central College (Akasia, Kagiso, Karee, Soetdoring, Wag-‘n-Bietjie)
    and West College (Abraham Fischer, Conlaurês, Imperium, Kestell, Outiniqua)

Environmental Affairs
Male Residences:     JBM Hertzog
Female Residences:  Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Day Residences:        Sonnedou
Overall Winner:           Sonnedou

Diversity
Male Residences:                               JBM Hertzog
Female Residences:                          Akasia 
Day Residences:                                Arista
Best Improved Male Residence:         Villa Bravado
Best Improved Female Residence:    Kestell
Overall winner:                                    Akasia

Executive Portfolios
Male Residences:                               Tswelopele
Female Residences:                          Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Day Residences:                                Imperium
Best Improved Male Residence:         Tswelopele
Best Improved Female Residence:    Marjolein
Overall Winner:                                   Imperium

Academics
Male Residences:                               Outeniqua
Female Residences:                          Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Day Residences:                                Imperium
Best Improved Male Residence:         Imperium
Best Improved Female Residence:    Marjolein
Overall Winner:                                   Wag-‘n-Bietjie

Finance
Male Residences:                               Armentum
Female Residences:                          Roosmaryn
Day Residences:                                Imperium
Best Improved Male Residence:         Villa Bravado
Best Improved Female Residence:    Kestell
Overall Winner:                                   Armentum

Culture
Male Residences:                               Abraham Fischer
Female Residences:                          Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Day Residences:                                Sonnedou
Best Improved Male Residence:         Armentum
Best Improved Female Residence:    Akasia
Overall Winner:                                   Wag-‘n-Bietjie

Sport
Male Campus and Day Residences:           Armentum
Female Campus and Day Residences:      Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Best Male RC Sport:                           Armentum
Best Female RC Sport:                      Sonnedou

First-Years
Male Residences:                                                       Armentum 
Female Residences:                                                  Welwitschia
Day Residences:                                                        Sonnedou
Best Improved Male and Female Residence:            ConLaurês and Outeniqua
Overall Winner:                                                           Armentum

Prime
Male Residences:                               Tswelopele
Female Residences:                          Wag-‘n-Bietjie
Day Residences:                                Arista
Best Improved Male Residence:         Tswelopele
Best Improved Female Residence:    Arista
Overall Winner:                                   Tswelopele

Social
Overall Winner:                                   Karee
Best Improved Residence:                 Kestell

Economic and Management Sciences

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Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Theology and Religion

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