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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 presents unique rally
2005-06-07

On Friday 10 June 2005, the University of the Free State (UFS) will present the Kovsie version of the Amazing Race in Bloemfontein.

The Amazing Rainbow Rally will be held in aid of children and babies with serious diseases in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

By raising the necessary funds, equipment can be acquired to meet the unique health care needs of these special patients.  It will also enable the UFS to maintain the high standards of education, training and research in this field.

 The Amazing Rainbow Rally will give some residents of Bloemfontein an opportunity to test their knowledge of the city, as well as their time management skills, communication skills, team work and even their relationships! 

About 12 corporate teams from among others Vodacom, Eskom, Medi-Clinic, Mimosa Mall and Nedbank and four university teams must follow a specific route with various checkpoints by car.  Here they will have to complete activities or solve clues before receiving their clue to the next checkpoint.  Teams will be traveling with cars branded with the logo of the company they represent.

The rally will start at 09:00 at the Rooiplein of the UFS and will again end on the campus where they will complete the last task.  The first team to complete this task is the winner of Bloemfontein’s first Amazing Rainbow Rally.

OFM’s breakfast team will do live crossings on the day to reveal how teams are doing.

The Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the UFS serves children with special needs, in other words children who need intensive care, or who suffer from cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases and conditions, endocrinological diseases or gastro-enterological conditions.

The Department provides secondary health care to more than 250 000 children in the southern parts of the Free State, but is responsible for the tertiary care of about a million children in the Free State and Northern Cape, as well as some parts of the North-West province, the Eastern Cape and Lesotho.  The intensive care units at Universitas and Pelonomi Hospitals serve approximately 1 300 neonatal and 350 intensive care patients annually.  The pediatric cardiology unit admits almost 300 high care heart patients per year.  Approximately 13 000 out-patients visit these two hospitals every year.

MEDIA RELEASE

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

7 June 2005
 

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