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23 October 2023 | Story Samkelo Fetile | Photo Supplied
The finalists in the 2023 Matriculant of the Year competition

In a culmination of academic prowess, leadership, sportsmanship, cultural achievements, and community engagement, the University of the Free State (UFS), Matriculant of the Year competition for 2023 has declared Michael de Bruyn, the head boy of Futurum Akademie in Tadcaster near Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape, as the 42nd winner. This prestigious event, in collaboration with Netwerk24 and Volksblad, witnessed the participation of 66 outstanding matriculants from eight provinces.

The journey to success for these matriculants was not only a test of academic acumen but a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership skills, involvement in sports and cultural activities, and commitment to community projects. The top 25 entrants were honoured with bursaries from the UFS, a testament to the institution's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering academic excellence.

The stakes were raised even higher for the top 14 finalists, who gathered at the Monte Bello Estate near Bloemfontein for the final judging. This phase involved personal interviews and group sessions, challenging the finalists to showcase not only their intellectual capabilities but also their interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit.

Sponsors and Supporters

Despite the economic challenges, the Matriculant of the Year competition has continued to thrive, thanks to the unwavering support of its sponsors. The final round judges, representing the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Absa, Mazars (official auditors), and Pick n Pay Preller Walk, played a crucial role in determining the ultimate winner.

In addition to the overall winner, the Kovsie Alumni Trust went above and beyond by sponsoring two special prizes for exceptional achievements in culture and sports. Ilke de Klerk of Goudveld-Hoërskool in Welkom received the sports accolade for her outstanding accomplishments in athletics and netball. Recognising cultural excellence, two accomplished pianists, Karli Janeke from St Dunstan’s College in Benoni and Elizabeth Joubert from C & N Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein, were honoured for their exceptional contributions.

Culture and Sports Recognised

The spirit of the competition extends beyond academic and extracurricular achievements, acknowledging the vibrant personalities that contribute to a well-rounded community. Renienke van Heerden from Jim Fouché High School in Bloemfontein was voted as the sparkling personality, showcasing that the matriculants of 2023 are not only accomplished in their fields but also possess a captivating and engaging presence.

As the 42nd winner of the Matriculant of the Year competition, Michael de Bruyn stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations and symbolises the UFS's commitment to recognising and nurturing excellence in all its forms. The competition serves not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as a platform for the holistic development of young minds, moulding them into leaders, athletes, artists, and compassionate community members.

Nomonde Mbadi, Director at the Department of Student Recruitment Services, extends her congratulations to the finalists of the Matriculant of the Year 2023 competition. “I commend the learners for their outstanding achievements, and I do acknowledge the potential they carry for the future. May their accomplishments serve as inspiration for many others to pursue excellence and contribute positively to the world.”

News Archive

Kovsie bounces back from heart surgery and raises the bar
2017-07-10

Description: Kovsie bounces back from heart surgery and raises the bar Tags: Gymnastics, Charissa Worthmann, University of the Free State, Biokinetics, Department of Zoology and Entomology 

Charissa Worthmann, a gymnast and postgraduate Biokinetics
student at the UFS, overcame heart surgery earlier this year
and excelled at her sport. Photo: Supplied



“Life is too short to abandon what sets you on fire. Find your passion, work hard at it and be great. You will never look back and wish otherwise.” These are the words that postgraduate student Charissa Worthmann lives by, and which have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a gymnast.

Humble beginnings
After undergoing heart surgery earlier this year, Charissa bounced back stronger than ever. She went on to win five regional gold medals at the Free State Gymnastics Championships in February 2017 and was also crowned Free State Victrix Ludorum. In October 2016 she won a gold medal for her apparatus routine at the South African GymnasticsChampionships.

Charissa, who is currently doing her honours in Biokinetics at the University of the Free State (UFS), said coming from a small town was not always an advantage. “I come from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal where there are not many opportunities. Therefore there was no gymnastics. I found my natural talent, but never had the opportunity to develop it before coming to the UFS.”

Inspired by lecturer
Charissa’s inspiration is Prof Liesl van As, Associate Professor from the Department of Zoology and Entomology. She is also completing her undergraduate Zoology modules to later complete her postgraduate studies in Zoology. “As a student, our lecturers don’t often realise it, but they shape us to aim higher in life.”

According to Charissa, Prof van As is a woman of pure brilliance who has aspects that every woman should aspire to: Beauty, intelligence and a drive to succeed. “I owe a vast majority of my success to her, because even though she may not realise it, her motivational attitude and success in life drove me to succeed in areas of my life.”

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