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11 May 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Eco-vehicle Race
Join the UFS on 13 May 2023 at 09:00 (student performances at 09:00 and race at 10:15) on the road around the UFS Odeion School of Music for the annual Kovsie ACT Eco-Vehicle Race. Don't miss out on this incredible display of endurance; support your favourite team to victory!

Kovsie ACT at the University of the Free State (UFS) is presenting the sixth Kovsie Eco-Vehicle Race this year.

Come and show your support for our students who will be representing our colleges and three campuses, along with the Central University of Technology. Be a part of the action:

Date: Saturday 13 May 2023
Time: 09:00 Performances by student artists
Time: 10:15 Official start of Eco-Vehicle Race
Venue: UFS Odeion School of Music parking area

The Eco-Vehicle Race represents the last phase of a nine-month co-curricular skills programme, providing our students with a set of skills that prepare them for the world of work. 

In this programme where students are equipped with basic knowledge and skills on sustainable energy, they get the opportunity not only to race the eco-vehicles, but to also understand the workings of the vehicle, which is critical for repairs done by the team during the race. 

Our students will be competing in three events:

  • Obstacle course: Teams will be challenged by obstacles to test their control over the car.
  • Smart lap: A timed lap in which the drivers take the main track for the first time.
  • Endurance race: The teams need to finish as many laps as possible using the least amount of energy in 45 minutes. 
The winners of the three events will each receive a trophy. There will be a trophy for the best pit stop as well as a spirit cup for the team with the best energy and support from the audience.

Come and support our students as they showcase their ingenuity and endurance. Don't miss out on the action! For more information, click here to contact Jady Carelse.

Car manufacturers will also exhibit hybrid/electric vehicles; come and view the exhibition and learn more about how these cars work and their benefits.

News Archive

UFS Alumni honours five Kovsie Alumni
2009-08-26

 

 
Prof. André Venter and Prof. Johan Grobbelaar
Photo: Supplied

The sought-after Kovsie Alumni Awards, which are awarded to alumni of the University of the Free State annually, will be presented to five Kovsie alumni at a gala award dinner on Friday, 4 September 2009.

UFS Alumni nominated Mr Gert Grobler as the 2008/09 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Gert Marincowitz and Sekoati Tsubane (Kabelo in 7de Laan) will receive the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award. Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Senior Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and Prof. André Venter, Chief Specialist at Paediatrics and Child Health, will both receive the Kovsie Alumni National Executive Award. These awards are presented annually to honour alumni for their excellent achievements and contributions towards the UFS.

The Kovsie Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a Kovsie alumnus with outstanding achievements at national and international level. Mr Grobler receives this award for his role as ambassador for South Africa in Japan and the significant role that he played in initiating various structures and bilateral mechanisms to improve South Africa’s relations with various countries actively. His expertise, knowledge and passion for the diplomatic service and direct mediation and involvement in the establishment of various projects abroad are evidence of his dedication.

Dr. Marincowitz, who has also been honoured as RUDASA’s Rural Physician of the Year, receives the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award for his contribution to the promotion of primary health care in rural areas in Limpopo and for his role in sensitisation towards HIV care in these communities. The Cum Laude Award is given to an alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific professional field.

With his portrayal of the character Kabelo Padi in the Afrikaans soap 7de Laan, Mr Tsubane has distinguished himself in a highly competitive market. His impressive presence in portraying this character makes him a factor to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.

Prof. Grobbelaar is honoured for his contributions, which put the UFS in the forefront, especially in the field of research, leading research expeditions to Marion Island and research in the Amazon, as well as the establishment of the first commercial algae-biotechnological plant in Africa at Muzina. His phenomenal leadership role in salary negotiations, his transparent and inclusive management style and the incredible way in which he empowers people to fulfil their tasks at the UFS also makes him a worthy recipient of the award. Under his leadership, UVPERSU has grown into the majority and representative union on campus.

Prof. Venter is also honoured for his outstanding service delivery to the UFS over the years and the exceptional way in which he has developed the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health to be one of the prestigious departments in the country. In the field of paediatric neuro-development, he dramatically improved the lives of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He has also played a major role in generating money to acquire equipment to improve intensive-care facilities in the paediatric unit in particular. He has been honoured by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge as one of the Great Lives of the 21st Century and is a finalist for the Bloemfontein of the Year 2009 award.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Kovsie Alumni Gala Award Dinner that will be held in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex. Various talented Kovsies will appear as guest artists. The cost of R120 per person includes a three-course meal. If you are interested in attending the dinner, contact Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or ficka.stg@ufs.ac.za.

Media release:
Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
26 August 2009

 

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