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24 September 2024 | Story Aimée Barlow | Photo Supplied
Louzanne Coetzee - 2024
Louzanne Coetzee, who made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time, received a warm reception when she recently returned home.

The celebrated Paralympic bronze medallist Louzanne Coetzee returned home to a warm welcome at the Bram Fischer International Airport on 10 September 2024.

Family, friends, colleagues, Arista students, and media gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement and show their support.

Coetzee – KovsieSport Coordinator of Parasport at the University of the Free State (UFS) – made history by clinching South Africa’s second medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the T11 1 500 m women’s final with a personal best time. Her dedication and hard work have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired many in her community.

Among those present to welcome her was Jerry Laka, Director of KovsieSport, who expressed his pride in Coetzee’s accomplishments.

"We as KovsieSport are so proud of our colleague Coetzee. It is amazing to see a product of KovsieSport achieving greatness on the world stage. She is truly an inspiration to us all," said Laka.

“I am so glad to be back, and to have Laka and my colleagues here. It means the world to me. Having Laka here shows his commitment to my career and ParaSport and his staff in general,” shared Coetzee, her gratitude evident.

She further expressed her appreciation for the support she received, stating, “I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for the support from the UFS community.”

Coetzee’s return is a proud moment for South Africa and the University of the Free State (UFS) community. Welcome home, Louzanne! Your achievements have made us all proud!

News Archive

Agricultural economics celebrates 50 years of existence
2009-11-25

 
The Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently celebrated 50 years of existence during a dinner held in the Centenary Complex on the Main Campus. The Department originated in 1958 and has since developed into one of the leading departments of agricultural economics in South Africa.

Some of the guests who attended the celebrations were, from the left: Prof. Chris Blignaut, Head of the Department from 1979–1985; Ms Martie Smith, wife of the late Prof. Dirk Smith, former Head of ISEN; Prof. Giel Viljoen, Head of the Department from 1986–1997; Ms Rita Blignaut, wife of Prof. Chris Blignaut, Ms Jana Kotze, wife of the late Prof. Whitey Kotze, who was the first Head of the Department from 1960–1978; Prof. Johan Willemse, current Head of the Department; and Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS and Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics from 1998–2003.
Photo: Stephen Collett
 

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