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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

Number of NRF-rated researchers increases in 2012
2012-10-29

29 October 2012

Three researchers at the University of the Free State received B-ratings for 2013 from the National Research Foundation (NRF). Prof. Johan Henning, Dean of Law, obtained the highest rating in his field of mercantile law in South Africa, a B1.

Prof. Jackie Naudé from Classical and Near Eastern Studies and Prof. Dingie Janse van Rensburg, Professor Extraordinary at the Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, also obtained B3-ratings. Prof. Naudé is the first B-rated researcher in the Faculty of Humanities.
Prof. Helene Strauss obtained the highest rating (Y1) for a UFS young scholar in the Humanities.
In total, the NRF rated researchers at the UFS grew from 95 in 2011 to 109 in 2012, a growth of almost 15 percent.
The NRF ratings committee consist of three reviewers from South Africa and three from abroad. A rating is valid for six years and researchers must reapply for rating before the end of that period.
For a B1-rating all reviewers must be firmly convinced that the applicant enjoys considerable international recognition for the high quality of the researcher’s recent output, with some indicating that the researcher is a leading international scholar in a field. For a B3-rating most of the reviewers must be convinced that the researcher enjoys international recognition for the high quality and impact of the research.
Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, said in the UFS Research Report “The UFS now has among the highest number of NRF-rated scientists per size of the academic faculty and we have seen the productivity graph bear witness to a record growth in our funded research outputs; we have won our first-ever NRF/DST Research Chairs. In each of these achievements, the excellence we seek comes with and through the diversity we celebrate.”
More ratings and renewals were expected by the time of Bult went to print.. More than 35 researchers applied for ratings or renewal of ratings.
  • Colleagues who were admitted to the prestigious Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) are Profs. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Driekie Hay, Heidi Hudson, Lodewyk Kock, Odireleng Ntwaeaborwa, Hugh Patterton, Ian Phimister and Melanie Walker. ASSAf was established in 1996 with the mission of using science for the benefit of society. New members are elected after nomination by four existing members (at least two of whom do so from personal knowledge of the candidate). ASSAf has some 350 members and represents South Africa in the international community of science academies.
  • Dr Marieka Gryzenhout of Plant Sciences became a member of South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). SAYAS celebrated its first year in 2012. It was launched as a means to enable South Africa’s young scientists to fully participate in locally and internationally relevant research and development agendas. Prof. Aldo Stroebel, Director: Internationalisation, is also a member of SAYAS.

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