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18 October 2024 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Supplied
Lebakeng Mokhele
Lebakeng Mokhele

The University of the Free State (UFS) celebrates Lebakeng Mokhele, a remarkable student nominated for the prestigious Allan Gray Student Achievers programme. This recognition highlights Mokhele’s exceptional academic journey, fuelled by dedication and a commitment to making a difference.

Mokhele is a beneficiary of the Centre for Global Change, exemplifying the positive impact of the centre.

Triumph over adversity

Despite facing significant challenges during his first year, Mokhele persevered and achieved remarkable success. Starting his academic journey on foot and enduring seven months without electricity, he demonstrated exceptional discipline and dedication to his studies.

Using a candle for light, Mokhele diligently pursued his academic goals, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Best First-Year in the Department of Computer Science and Informatics. His achievement was even more impressive considering the obstacles he overcame. Mokhele's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining focus in the face of adversity.

Mokhele’s story is one of perseverance.  Growing up, he wanted to become a medical doctor.  He credits his mother as his unwavering pillar of support. Additionally, he acknowledges Dr Amon Magwiro and Annemarie van Noordwyk for their guidance and mentorship.

A Well-Rounded Achiever

Currently pursuing an Honours in Business Management, Mokhele has a list of impressive accomplishments:

  • Top achiever awards across various departments
  • Best academic performer among all students in 2019
  • Golden Key International Honour Society member
  • Best performer in the Department of Business Management in 2020

Ambitious Goals and Aspiring Vision

He aspires to earn a PhD in Business Management while simultaneously establishing a thriving mixed farming enterprise. The Allan Gray programme offers him an opportunity to network and gain exposure to the financial industry – a developing passion sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership and Community Focus

His dedication extends beyond academics. He is actively involved in extracurricular activities, including organising community soccer tournaments.  He demonstrates strong leadership through his roles as:

  • President of Enactus UFS
  • Treasurer of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development in Maluti-a-Phofung
  • His farming venture currently employs workers and plans for expansion are underway. Through his ‘bucks n bucks’ consultancy, he assists aspiring entrepreneurs.

Sharing his Wisdom

Mokhele emphasises the importance of applying knowledge and seeking information. He encourages fellow students:

  • Focus on discipline: It is the key to overcoming challenges.
  • Find your ‘why’: Drive yourself with a clear purpose.
  • Never give up: Success is possible even when facing setbacks.

Gratitude and Acknowledgement

Lebakeng expresses his deepest gratitude to his family, lecturers, the Centre for Global Change (including Prof Otomo and his team), and everyone who have supported him.

A Final Note

For those interested in learning more about Mokhele’s business venture, visit his website: www.bucksnbucks.co.za

News Archive

UFS represented at international congress
2009-11-06

From the left are: Ms Van Rooyen, Ms Pretorius and Dr Stephen Walker, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the UFS.
Photo: Supplied

Three staff members of the University of the Free State (UFS) recently attended the 39th Annual Congress of the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT) in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Dr Stephen Walker, Ms Chrisma Pretorius and Ms Marnelle van Rooyen, all from the Unit for Professional Training and Service in the Behavioural Sciences (UNIBS) represented the UFS at the congress.

The title of Dr Walker’s presentation was “The applicability of the maladaptive cognitive schema construct to the multi-ethnic South African context”.

Ms Pretorius, a Ph.D. student in Psychology, gave two presentations, namely “Ethnic differences in worry: A South African perspective” and “Worry, meta-cognitive beliefs and intolerance in a non-clinical multi-ethnic sample of university students” respectively.

Ms Van Rooyen, also a Ph.D. student in Psychology, presented “Cognitive schemas as predictors of disordered eating in a multi-ethnic sample of female university students”.

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