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08 April 2024 | Story VALENTINO NDABA | Photo SUPPLIED
UFS Graduation April 2024
The University of the Free State celebrated autumn graduation season from 12-20 April 2024.

As the autumn season unfolded, the University of the Free State (UFS) eagerly anticipated the commencement of its graduation ceremonies, a time to celebrate the academic achievements of its esteemed students. The ceremonies, scheduled from 12-20 April 2024, honoured the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2023, across the Qwaqwa and Bloemfontein campuses.

Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements

The graduating class represented a diverse array of disciplines, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering excellence across various fields. In total, 5 442 undergraduate qualifications and 2 345 postgraduate qualifications were conferred, reflecting the dedication and perseverance of both students and faculty members.

Honouring distinguished individuals

The graduation ceremonies also recognised the contributions of distinguished individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Among them were Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Prof Salim Abdool Karim who received honorary degrees from the UFS on 12 and 18 April 2024, respectively.  

Archbishop Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the South African Council of Churches, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to theology, social justice, and education activism. Prof Karim, renowned for his groundbreaking research in AIDS and COVID-19, was honoured for his exceptional work in medical virology. 

Nurturing excellence and social impact

The graduation ceremonies not only symbolised the culmination of academic journeys but also underscored the UFS Vision 130 commitment to academic excellence, societal impact, and the cultivation of future leaders. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of South Africa and beyond. 

As the graduating class of 2023 embarks on new endeavours, they carry with them the values instilled by their alma mater, poised to make meaningful contributions to society.


WATCH: April 2024 Graduation Ceremonies.

News Archive

Kovsie student nominated for 2012 national music award
2012-09-08

Sibongile Potelwa
Photo: Supplied
6 September 2012

Sibongile Potelwa, a postgraduate student at our university, has been nominated for the 2012 South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Award in the category “Best Praise Singer”.

Sibongile, who studies Financial Economics & Investment, has been a busy student on the Bloemfontein Campus, with a list of achievements that continues to grow. In his first year, he received a certificate for being on the list of the Top 10 First Years in academics at Villa Bravado residence and he was inducted as a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society in his second year. He was also a tutor in Accounting and Economics for first-year students. This year, Sibongile became a Student Ambassador for the university in the Office of the Rector.

Sibongile performs under the stage name “Sijadu” and has been involved in praise poetry since the age of 11. He lists his recent performance at the Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture, where he performed in front of President Jacob Zuma and other cabinet ministers, as one of his favourites.

“I would like to appeal to the university community, the Free State Province and South Africa at large to vote for me. This award absolutely belongs to Kovsies and therefore I believe that we cannot let the opportunity pass us by,” says Sijadu.

The SATMA Awards take place on 27 October 2012 in East London in the Eastern Cape. Voting lines will be open until 26 October. People can vote by sending a sms with the following information: SATMA, SIJADU, BEST PRAISE SINGER to 34066. Each sms costs R2.
 

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