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24 September 2024
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Story Aimée Barlow
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Photo Supplied
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!
Splashdown showdown
2014-02-12

Following a successful Gateway Programme, first-year students dove straight into yet another scintillating activity. The first-years’ swimming gala provided an ideal opportunity for our new Kovsies to cement their new-found friendships. The action was not limited to the water, though. Students’ singing, dancing and cheering filled the air with electrifying intensity.
Residences also banded together in their respective colleges to compete for the best body painting. Individual residences also battled it out for showing the highest spirit.. “I had just arrived at my house, when something in me swayed me to drive back to join in the swimming festivities with our students, and I am excited to have joined this event. It’s always memorable,” said Dr Choice Makhetha, Vice-Rector: External Affairs.
East College walked away with the trophy for the best body painting and House Armentum’s enthusiasm earned them the Glass-Spirit trophy.