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03 April 2023 | Story Dr Cinde Greyling | Photo Susan Bowlus
Maye Musk
Maye Musk.

On 12 April 2023, the University of the Free State (UFS) will confer an Honorary Doctorate in Dietetics to Maye Musk. Honorary Doctorate is a prestigious title for individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to a particular field or society. It is based on generous and altruistic actions or lifetime accomplishments that benefit a community, nation, or humanity in general, which makes Musk a perfect recipient for this esteemed award. 

Musk is an international best-selling author, dietitian, model, and public speaker. Her book, A woman makes a plan, is available in 100 countries and published in 30 languages. She has run her own nutrition business in eight cities and three countries for more than 45 years. Her company offered  professional services in counselling, speaking, consulting, writing, and media work. In addition to her skills, Musk’s leadership traits pivoted her into being the first Representative of the Consulting Dietitians of South Africa, President of the Consulting Dietitians of Canada, and Chair of the Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition.

Paving the way for many to follow in her footsteps, Musk was the first dietitian to run a website, and the only dietitian to take the registration exams in three countries. Her passion for nutrition and empowerment has seen her speak at events around the world, including Melbourne, Stockholm, Kiev, Budapest, Cannes, Beirut and most of the major cities in the USA, Canada, and South Africa. She also won the Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur Award in the USA.

Considering all Musk’s accomplishments, it is inspiring that her research studies in nutritional sciences began at the University of the Free State when she was accepted for a Diploma in Hospital Dietetics at the Universitas Hospital. Upon completion, she was offered a bursary for a Master of Science degree before moving to Canada, her country of birth.

The UFS is privileged to be associated with Musk, and grateful for her contribution to the field of nutrition, which affects overall human well-being. The awarding of the honorary degree coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Department of Dietetics. 

News Archive

New Albert Wessels Auditorium officially unveiled
2013-05-19

 

Dr Johan van Zyl (President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota South Africa and CEO for Toyota Africa) and Judge Ian van der Merwe (Chairperson of the UFS Council) unveil the redesigned Albert Wessels Auditorium.
Photo: Johan Roux
20 May 2013

The swanky new interior and entrance of the Albert Wessels Auditorium WA) were officially unveiled on Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Friday 10 May 2013.

Prof Jonathan Jansen, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Rector, and Judge Ian van der Merwe, Chairperson of the UFS Council, presided over the AWA unveiling ceremony. They were joined by a special guest, whose company has a long affiliation with the UFS and the AWA in particular.

Dr Johan van Zyl, the current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota South Africa and CEO for Toyota Africa, unveiled the commemorative plaque at the new entrance. Dr Van Zyl reaffirmed the relationship between Toyota South Africa and the UFS, which can be traced back to the founder of his company.

The namesake of the AWO was the founder of Toyota South Africa. Dr Wessels was at one time married to Elizabeth Eybers, the acclaimed poet who won the Hertzog Prize in 1934 and 1971. Could she have inspired Wessels’ love of the arts? Regardless, the AWA will serve as a world-class facility for the arts, corporate meetings and seminars, from now on. The AWA can now seat 196 people on its luxurious red leather seats.

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