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13 December 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Charl Devenish
Lieutenant Colonel Dr Rifa Tshivhase, Head of the Department of Surgery at 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein, addressed graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State on 10 December 2024.
Momentous and joyous – these are some of the words used to describe the December 2024 graduations at the University of the Free State (UFS). In celebration of the academic achievements of its students, the UFS hosted graduation ceremonies at the Callie Human Centre on its Bloemfontein Campus from 9 to 10 December 2024.
Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, encouraged the graduates to always acknowledge and recognise the significance of this achievement as they transition from being UFS students to being UFS graduates.
Undergraduate and postgraduate achievements
At least 2000 undergraduate qualifications and postgraduate qualifications were conferred. As such, there were some standout academic achievements across the sessions. For instance, Itumeleng Pooe received his Advanced Diploma in Theology cum laude, making him the only graduate in the Faculty of Theology and Religion to receive his qualification with distinction during these graduations. In addition, Dr Bobuin Jr Valey Gemandze Oben – at just 28 years old – was the youngest PhD graduate from the Faculty of Law at the graduation ceremony, which took place on the morning of 9 December 2024.
Conferring Honorary Doctorates
Some highlights from these graduations were the recipients of honorary doctorates, as well as the keynote speakers. The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the UFS conferred an honorary degree on Prof Murray Leibbrandt, Research Chair in Poverty and Inequality Research in the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). In addition, the Faculty of The Humanities at the UFS conferred an honorary degree on HE Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace, and Security.
On the final day of the graduations, graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the UFS were addressed by Lieutenant Colonel Dr Rifa Tshivhase, Head of the Department of Surgery at 3 Military Hospital in Bloemfontein. In her address, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Tshivhase encouraged and challenged the graduates to actively seek out good in the world.
As the December 2024 graduations concluded, several of the graduates within the Faculty of Health Sciences indicated that the most memorable moments in the session were the cheers and applause they received as they walked across the stage.
UFS Alumni honours five Kovsie Alumni
2009-08-26
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Prof. André Venter and Prof. Johan Grobbelaar
Photo: Supplied |
The sought-after Kovsie Alumni Awards, which are awarded to alumni of the University of the Free State annually, will be presented to five Kovsie alumni at a gala award dinner on Friday, 4 September 2009.
UFS Alumni nominated Mr Gert Grobler as the 2008/09 Kovsie Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Gert Marincowitz and Sekoati Tsubane (Kabelo in 7de Laan) will receive the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award. Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Senior Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and Prof. André Venter, Chief Specialist at Paediatrics and Child Health, will both receive the Kovsie Alumni National Executive Award. These awards are presented annually to honour alumni for their excellent achievements and contributions towards the UFS.
The Kovsie Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a Kovsie alumnus with outstanding achievements at national and international level. Mr Grobler receives this award for his role as ambassador for South Africa in Japan and the significant role that he played in initiating various structures and bilateral mechanisms to improve South Africa’s relations with various countries actively. His expertise, knowledge and passion for the diplomatic service and direct mediation and involvement in the establishment of various projects abroad are evidence of his dedication.
Dr. Marincowitz, who has also been honoured as RUDASA’s Rural Physician of the Year, receives the Kovsie Alumni Cum Laude Award for his contribution to the promotion of primary health care in rural areas in Limpopo and for his role in sensitisation towards HIV care in these communities. The Cum Laude Award is given to an alumnus for outstanding service or achievement at local, national or international level in his/her specific professional field.
With his portrayal of the character Kabelo Padi in the Afrikaans soap 7de Laan, Mr Tsubane has distinguished himself in a highly competitive market. His impressive presence in portraying this character makes him a factor to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment.
Prof. Grobbelaar is honoured for his contributions, which put the UFS in the forefront, especially in the field of research, leading research expeditions to Marion Island and research in the Amazon, as well as the establishment of the first commercial algae-biotechnological plant in Africa at Muzina. His phenomenal leadership role in salary negotiations, his transparent and inclusive management style and the incredible way in which he empowers people to fulfil their tasks at the UFS also makes him a worthy recipient of the award. Under his leadership, UVPERSU has grown into the majority and representative union on campus.
Prof. Venter is also honoured for his outstanding service delivery to the UFS over the years and the exceptional way in which he has developed the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health to be one of the prestigious departments in the country. In the field of paediatric neuro-development, he dramatically improved the lives of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He has also played a major role in generating money to acquire equipment to improve intensive-care facilities in the paediatric unit in particular. He has been honoured by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge as one of the Great Lives of the 21st Century and is a finalist for the Bloemfontein of the Year 2009 award.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Kovsie Alumni Gala Award Dinner that will be held in the Reitz Hall of the UFS Centenary Complex. Various talented Kovsies will appear as guest artists. The cost of R120 per person includes a three-course meal. If you are interested in attending the dinner, contact Annanda Calitz at 051 401 3382 or ficka.stg@ufs.ac.za.
Media release:
Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
26 August 2009