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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

Huge interest in Ms Oprah Winfrey's visit to our university
2011-06-10

 

Staff and students from our Bloemfontein Campus queued since early this morning to obtain their tickets.
Photo: Phelekwa Mpono

The atmosphere on our campuses is electric with the upcoming visit and Graduation Ceremony of Ms Oprah Winfrey in Bloemfontein.

Ms Winfrey will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Education from our university on Friday, 24 June 2011.

Every single ticket for the event was snapped up within hours of becoming available this morning (Wednesday, 15 June 2011). Staff and students queued in front of the Information Centre on our university’s Bloemfontein Campus to get their free tickets, while the general public did the same at Computicket outlets throughout the country.

The university would like to thank everyone for their positive attitude and eagerness to be part of this special day. A special thank you to all our staff and students who have volunteered their services and are helping to plan and manage the event.

The university requests everyone who has managed to secure a ticket to ensure that they arrive early on the Bloemfontein Campus that day.

On Friday, 24 June 2011, the doors of the Callie Human Centre will open for both special guests and the public in general at 13:00. The doors will close strictly at 14:00 and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building for reasons of safety and security.

Entertainment before and after the Graduation Ceremony will be provided by acclaimed musicians such as the internationally lauded, award-winning singer Sibongile Khumalo, the Botshabelo String Orchestra, the Bloemfontein Children’s Choir and the choir of the Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind.

After the Graduation Ceremony, Ms Winfrey will formally address the 4 500 guests, after which she will conduct a Question-and-Answer Session with students from the large audience. 


Media Release
15 June 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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