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31 January 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied
Michelle de Lange
Michelle De Lange: The winner of the ‘Elite University Educator’ award announced at the first AICPA & CIMA CGMA Professional Awards Africa ceremony.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has proudly clinched two prestigious awards at the inaugural Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Leadership Award ceremony. Organised by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, comprising AICPA and CIMA, this event recognises the outstanding contributions to the finance and accounting industry on the continent.

Top university accolade

UFS secured the coveted CGMA Leadership Award for ‘Excellent University Partner (Top 10 in Africa).’ This accolade underscores the institution's commitment to advancing the finance and accounting sector. The presentation took place at the awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on 24 November 2023, marking a significant achievement for the UFS.

Prof Frans Prinsloo, Vice-Dean of Learning, Teaching, Innovation, and Digitalisation in the Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) Faculty at the UFS, views the award as a testament to the alignment of the academic programmes with the standards of leading professional accountancy bodies in South Africa, including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Prinsloo stated, “We have worked diligently to align our academic programmes with the requirements of key potential professional bodies, positioning ourselves as an educator of choice. This recognition, alongside our other accreditations, confirms our success in achieving this goal.”

A global educator recognised

Further enhancing the UFS’s recognition, Michelle de Lange, Lecturer in the School of Accountancy and Programme Coordinator of the B.Com Honours in Management Accounting, received the ‘Elite University Educator of the Year Award’ in the CGMA Leadership Award category. Nominated by her students and colleagues, De Lange expressed her honour and surprise at winning, highlighting her commitment to delivering valuable content to her students.

De Lange shared her perspective, stating, “To compete against phenomenal educators was a privilege, and winning signifies that my efforts are making a positive impact on students and colleagues alike.”

According to Prinsloo and De Lange, these accolades affirm the institution’s dedication to producing top-class accountancy and finance graduates.

News Archive

Student makes SA academic history
2007-11-04

Pulane Mahloka, a final-year B.Sc. (Quantity Surveying) student at the University of the Free State (UFS), has made academic history by becoming the first black student to be awarded a gold medal by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

She is the fourteenth UFS student since 1970 to receive this accolade, and is only the sixth female student of the UFS to attain this honour.

According to the modest 23-year-old Ms Mahloka, her academic success attests to the quality of training the University of the Free State is providing.

“I did not in my wildest dreams ever imagine that I could be selected as the winner. I feel truly humbled and grateful to be counted amongst the achievers in my field of study,” said Ms Mahloka.

By smashing through the proverbial glass ceiling, Ms Mahloka hopes that she can inspire black students all over the country, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, so that they can realise that all is not gloomy.

Her advice to fellow students is: “There is little you can do about where you come from. Do not be ashamed, but work hard to develop yourself. Do not confine yourself by the fact that you were never exposed to certain equipment and books. Now that you have made it to university, it is your chance to work hard and make something out of your life.”

Ms Mahloka, who hails from Maseru in Lesotho, has been a star academic performer since her first year in 2003, when she received an award for the best first-year student.

Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@mail.ufs.ac.za
2 November 2007
 

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