Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

UFS first tertiary institution in SA to form association with the Arbinger Institute
2008-02-15

 

 A two-day seminar entitled: "The Choice and The Choice @ Work" was recently presented in Bloemfontein to companies in the Free State region. Here are, from the left: Mr Braam Botha (Well @ Work), Mr Jozef Myburgh (Telkom), and Dr Cobus Pienaar (from the Department of Industrial Psychology at the UFS and facilitator of the Arbinger Programme).
Photo: Lacea Loader

 

UFS first tertiary institution in SA to form association with the Arbinger Institute

The University of the Free State (UFS) has become the first tertiary institution in the country to form an association with the Arbinger Institute in the United States of America (USA).

“The Arbinger Institute is a global management training and consulting firm applying the implications of self-deception and its solutions to all aspects of organisational performance. Our association with this Institute is a major step for the development of leadership in the country,” says Mr Danie Jacobs, Head of the Centre for Business Dynamics at the UFS.

Dr Cobus Pienaar, from the Department of Industrial Psychology at the UFS, is currently the only licensed facilitator to present Arbinger’s work in South Africa. Dr Pienaar presents The Choice and The Choice @ Work programme on behalf of the Centre for Business Dynamics, under the banner of the UFS School of Business.

According to Mr Jacobs, the programme has already had successes in South Africa. “Dr Pienaar presented the first programme last year in Bloemfontein and Pretoria to leaders from various companies. The feedback on the application of the programme to the South African business environment was phenomenal,” says Mr Jacobs.

The Arbinger Institute’s change work grows out of the scholarly work of philosopher Terry Warner. With an international team of scholars, Warner has broken new ground in solving the age-old problem of self-deception, or what was originally called “resistance”.

“This phenomenon is at the heart of much organisational failure. It is the reason why many organisational problems seem so intractable at their core – they are in self-deception; they resist solution,” says Mr Jacobs.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
15 February 2008

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept