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24 October 2023 | Story Jóhann Thormählen | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Free State Sport Stars 2023
The University of the Free State (UFS) crowned its top athletes at the Free State Sport Stars dinner. Robert Summers and Refiloe Nketsa were named KovsieSport Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year. Here, from left, are Temba Hlasho, Executive Director: Student Affairs at the UFS, Summers, Janine de Kock, KovsieSport netball sports officer, on behalf of Nketsa and Teboho Setena, Editor: Express.

In a spectacular celebration of sporting excellence, Refiloe Nketsa, and Robert Summers were bestowed with the highest honours as University of the Free State’s (UFS) Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively. This prestigious event took place on 12 October 2023 in Bloemfontein, where the KovsieSport awards were presented. 

Recognition of remarkable achievements

Nketsa, a Protea netball player, voiced her elation at achieving this pinnacle of her career. She had earlier been a School Sport Star nominee at the Free State Sport Stars in 2019, presented by Central24 and the UFS. Her meteoric rise to senior level has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Looking at the pool of nominees and all that they’ve achieved, I almost thought I didn’t stand a chance. All I have isn’t because of my doing. Its God ordained.”  

Summers, a South African badminton luminary and the UFS Sportsman of the Year for a second consecutive year expressed his gratitude and humility at receiving this prestigious accolade. He highlighted the challenges he faced, including a debilitating injury, making this achievement even more meaningful. Summers added, “It’s incredible having your name on a trophy with the likes of Wayde van Niekerk, CJ van der Linde, and Heinrich Brüssow. Those are big names, and to be on the same trophy is something I will cherish for a long time.” 

The Shimla, Michael Annies was named UFS Junior Sportsman of the Year and the triple jumper Johani van Tonder, UFS Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

The highest honour at the Free State Sport Stars went to the former Kovsie Karla Pretorius, crowned Sport Star of the Year.

The Protea netball vice-captain, Pretorius, also received the Sportswoman of the Year and the Protea cricketer Gerald Coetzee the Sportsman of the Year, of the province.

Encouragement and inspiration for the future

Nketsa says it is a big honour being the top UFS sportswoman. She represented the Proteas in the past year and was an official World Cup reserve and vice-captain of the South African side that won a first-ever silver medal at the Fast5 World Series. Nketsa emphasised the motivation this award instils in her, compelling her to intensify her efforts in improving her work ethic and skills. 

Likewise, Summers despite his challenges, finds this award to be a silver lining, inspiring him to persevere during rough times. The badminton star won three All Africa Champs medals; in singles (bronze), men’s doubles (gold) and in the South African mixed team (bronze). He also competed at the World University Games in Chengdu and played in his first World Champs in Copenhagen (men’s doubles). “If I look back at the past year, it was probably my toughest year yet,” he remarked.

Perseverance in the face of challenges 

Desiree Ellis, head coach of Banyana Banyana and guest speaker at the event, stressed the importance of celebrating athletes and their excellence. “This inspires and motivates others,” she said. “It is also encouraging to see that it is not just elite athletes at the Free State Sport Stars who get rewarded but also the school kids.” She encouraged athletes to persevere despite obstacles, imparting a powerful message: “Results are not always going to go your way but keep going. Keep going and make sure you keep putting your best foot forward.” 

Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, expressed pride in the recognition of UFS athletes, highlighting the unique blend of student-athlete awards and school awards in this event, which serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young athletes. 

The KovsieSport awards stand as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of Nketsa and Summers. Their achievements not only inspire the fraternity but also underscore the spirit of resilience and excellence within the UFS community. As these outstanding athletes continue to break barriers and achieve greater heights, they epitomise the spirit of sporting prowess and determination. Congratulations to both Nketsa and Summers on their well-deserved recognition and to all award recipients in the various categories.

Free State Sport Stars 2023

KovsieSport crowned its leading junior sports stars. The triple jump athlete Johani van Tonder was named Junior Sportswoman of the Year and the Junior Springbok Michael Annies as Junior Sportsman of the Year. Here, from the left are, Van Tonder, Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, Jeannine van Zyl, General Manager of Central24, and Annies. 

News Archive

Prof Dennis Francis delivers keynote address at colloquium on homophobia and transphobia
2013-11-29

Prof Dennis Francis
Prof Dennis Francis, Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered the keynote address at a colloquium focusing on homophobia and transphobia in schools.

The UNESCO and Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA) is hosting Transforming Classrooms, Transforming Lives: Combating Homophobia and Transphobia in Education, at the University of Johannesburg.

Looking specifically at the Southern African context, this multi-disciplinary event builds on the highly successful 2012 Colloquium on Challenging Homophobia and Transphobia in South African Schools.

The colloquium allows educators, policy makers, researchers and activists from across Southern Africa to discuss the scope and impact of homophobia and transphobia in the education sector. It also creates a space for delegates to present new research, to discuss recent front-line activities, to reflect on good practices and to workshop future interventions.

Prof Francis’ paper on challenging heterosexism and heteronormativity in a South African school, was recently published in the South African Journal of Education.

For his research, Prof Francis looked at how learners understand and portray gay and lesbian characters and heterosexism by means of Participatory Theatre. He also did research on how teachers in South African schools position themselves on teaching about sexual diversity.

Prof Francis’ research papers also points out how schools promote compulsory heterosexuality and that homosexuality is something to be hidden and kept separate from teaching, learning and daily school life.

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