Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
24 October 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Stephen Collett
Sanlam and Santam Economist of the Year’ competition
From left to right: Jaco Geldenhuys, Senior Business Manager at Sanlam; Mokai Malope, secured second place; Reatile Seekoei, winner of the 2024 Sanlam and Santam Economist of the Year competition; Tricia Khoza, secured third place; and LC Olivier, Senior Business Manager at Santam.

The inaugural ‘Sanlam and Santam Economist of the Year’ competition gala, held on 18 October 2024 at the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus, has been hailed as a significant opportunity for growth. Hosted by the Department of Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), in collaboration with Sanlam and Santam, the event celebrated the exceptional talents of young economists.

The gala brought together representatives from Sanlam and Santam, faculty members, the top 10 competition finalists, and the department’s leading academic performers from each year group. Jaco Geldenhuys, Senior Business Manager at Sanlam, commended the participants for their dedication, noting: ’Today, we not only recognise your academic excellence but also the potential, positive impact you will have in the world.’’

Prof Johan Coetzee, Chairperson of the Department of Economics and Finance, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the competition aims to equip graduates to become global citizens who can solve problems, think critically, and communicate effectively in a constantly changing world.

What transpired during the event

The top 10 finalists presented their analysis in a 6-minute presentation before a panel of economists from the department, demonstrating their understanding of the macroeconomic environment, the methods they used to predict key macroeconomic indicators, and the lessons they gained from the process. After these presentations, the top three finalists were chosen and were required to respond to questions from the panel, determining the overall winner.

The top three included Tricia Khoza, who secured third place, Mokai Malope, who earned second place; and Reatile Seekoei, who was named the 2024 ‘Sanlam and Santam Economist of the Year.

All three finalists expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. Seekoei shared: “Competitions like this are invaluable because they prepare us for the working world. We have gained several graduate attributes we were introduced to at the start of our academic journey.’’

In addition to recognising the top three finalists, the department also awarded certificates to its top academic achievers, ranging from first-year undergraduate students to master's candidates.

Paving the way for the future

For many of the participants, the competition provided an invaluable glimpse into the professional world, offering them a chance to apply their classroom learning to real-world economic challenges. Geldenhuys encouraged the young economists to use their knowledge to challenge inequality, promote fairness, and drive innovation and sustainable growth.

News Archive

First-years excited about new life at university
2017-01-25

Description:Residences welcome class of 2017  Tags: Residences welcome class of 2017  longdesc=

First-years moved into residences at the
Bloemfontein Campus of the University of
the Free State on 20 and 21 January 2017.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

The Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State was abuzz with excitement as first-year students arrived at their new homes and residences, brimming with enthusiasm at starting a new chapter in building towards a professional career.

Although there were some mixed emotions about leaving the nest, most students were excited about the times ahead as they moved into their residences on 20 and 21 January 2017.

Student life and building a career

“I am looking forward to a new adventure, to student life and living at university. Also to build my future here,” said Veruska van Schalkwyk, as her parents, who had driven all the way from Springbok in Northern Cape, helped her unpack at Harmony residence.

Veruska, who will be studying Nursing, said she loved TV programmes like Grey's Anatomy. “Nursing has always been my passion and something I loved. I have always loved helping people.”

University provides a prosperous future

For Okuhle Gubevu, who will also be a first-year in Harmony, the UFS is the ideal place to further her career. “Out of all the research I have done, the University of the Free State is the one university that has a prosperous future for me in my ventures to become an accountant,” she said. “Because of that and because it is not too far from home, I decided on the UFS.”

Mopeli Lebohang will be staying in Outeniqua residence and is keen to work hard. “I heard the course I am studying, B Accounting, is the third toughest course at the university,” he said. “I am excited, because I like challenges.”

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