Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
12 December 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied
Stefanus Scheepers
The recently dual-capped Stefanus Scheepers, Senior Admin Assistant Officer in the UFS Faculty of Education, says his success lies in mastering the art of balance.

Completing a master’s degree in record time is a remarkable achievement, but for Stefanus Scheepers, Senior Admin Assistant Officer at the University of the Free State Faculty of Education, it marked the beginning of an even more extraordinary academic journey. In a feat few could match, he earned two master’s degrees in just 20 months.

Scheepers’ first degree, a Master of Education specialising in Higher Education Studies, was conferred by the University of the Free State (UFS) on 9 December 2024. His thesis, ‘Effective Pedagogical Practices Teaching Assistants Use in Hybrid Teaching Modes: A Community of Inquiry Approach’, explored innovative teaching strategies in hybrid learning environments.

The second degree, a Master of Science by Research in Sustainable African Futures, was conferred through the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme. His thesis, ‘Investigating the Perception, Adoption, and Utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence in South African Higher Education Institutions’, examined the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) on sustainable education in South Africa.

“My experience presenting workshops on GAI tools and its misuse by students sparked my research interest,” he explained. The resulting mini-dissertation shed light on the critical need for sustainable education practices in an era increasingly influenced by AI. This theme will continue as Scheepers embarks on a PhD at Wits University in 2025, exploring how to balance GAI’s benefits and risks in education.

Initially, Scheepers embarked on a part-time master’s degree in 2023 at the UFS while working full-time. “I hadn’t planned to complete two degrees,” he said, “but my supervisor’s encouragement and excellent guidance made completing the degree within a year seem possible.” Midway through, however, a nomination from the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education changed everything. The WESAF Doctoral Programme offered an opportunity that was too valuable to pass up, even though it added another degree to his demanding schedule.

“At first I was very hesitant, but my supervisor said that I would regret not taking it”, he said with a smile.

Time management does the trick

Balancing the demands of studying for two master’s degrees was no small feat. Scheepers chose to embrace meticulous time management, creating a schedule that integrated study and rest.

“Time management is not just about making a plan but sticking to it,” he emphasised. This structured approach allowed him to maximise productivity without burnout. “I must admit, working at night in your office did feel strange at first, but tranquil after a while.” Weekends included much-needed downtime, which helped him maintain resilience throughout.

Reflecting on this intense period, Scheepers attributes his success to cumulative skills gained over the years. “Every skill learnt in prior degrees was put to the test. The journey wasn’t easy, but intentionally applying these skills made the challenge rewarding.”

After nearly six years at higher education institutions – Scheepers’ career ambition is to transition into a lecturer role, with the hope of passing on his research and hands-on experience to a new generation of students.

When asked what he would share with prospective students at the UFS, Scheepers said, “The path to success isn’t always straightforward. I’ve experienced setbacks, even dropping out twice before finding my footing. But each challenge taught me resilience and determination. To all students: Keep going, even when the journey feels daunting. Every obstacle you overcome is a step closer to your goals. Remember, success is not about avoiding failure but learning and growing stronger with each experience. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and trust the process – you can do much more than you may realise.”

This remarkable dual graduation is not only a rare achievement in academia but also highlights Scheepers’ exceptional time management, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to advancing the fields of education and sustainable futures.

News Archive

Kovsie students’ artworks selected for Absa L’Atelier Awards 2013
2013-03-24

 

Learners from Ferrum High School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, admiring the artworks at the Centenary gallery.
Photo: Linda Fekisi
24 March 2013

Four artworks by Kovsie students have been selected for the 2013 Absa L’Atelier Awards. The artworks will form part of the national Absa L’Atelier exhibition later this year, which will be held at the Absa Gallery in Johannesburg.

Mandi Bezuidenhout, Louis Kruger and Johannes Botma, all master’s students in Fine Arts, have been selected as finalists for the central region of the prestigious competition.Two artworks of Louis, and one each of Mandi and Johannes, have been selected for the awards. Pauline Gutter, a former Kovsie student, has also been selected as finalist for the central region.

The Absa L’Atelier is South Africa’s most prestigious art competition and is held annually for artists between the ages of 21 and 35. This award not only ensures recognition for South Africa’s emerging artists, but also affords them the opportunity to develop their talents abroad. The winner of last year’s competition, Elrie Joubert, graduated with a master’s in Fine Arts from the UFS in 2010.

Four prizes are available in 2013’s competition. The first prize consists of R125 000 and a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. An Apersand Foundation Residency in New York City and a Sylt Foundation Residency on the Island of Sylt, Germany, will be granted through two merit awards. The most promising artist will receive the Gerard Sekoto Award of R80 000, as well as a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.

The Absa L’Atelier art competition is run in conjunction with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).

An exhibition of artworks from the central region is currently on display at the Centenary Gallery, upstairs in the Centenary Complex, until 28 March 2013. The gallery will be open on 20, 25, 26, 27, and 28 March from 10:00 to 15:00.


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