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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

Scaena Theatre: Steel Magnolias
2007-08-22

Steel Magnolias

By: Robert Harling
Director: Elizna Pieters

With: Eileen van der Merwe, Nicole Smit, Nastacia de Klerk, Jenette Vivier, Isabel Mostert, Ilse Hancke

Steel Magnolias is a must-see production soon to be performed by drama students in their second year at the University of the Free State. It is directed by Elizna Pieters, currently doing her B.A. Drama and Theatre Arts (Hons) in directing.

The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon: Ouiser ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"), an eccentric millionaire; Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy”.

Although filled with hilarious repartee and verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when the spunky Shelby, a diabetic, risks pregnancy. Soon the women realize that they share everything, from the shampoo and gossip right down to love, loss and an underlying strength. This gives the play and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Steel Magnolias can be seen at the Scaena Theatre on the UFS campus, on 11 and 13 September 2007 (English Production).

Ysterasters is te sien in die Sceana Teater (UV-kampus) op 12 en 14 September.  (Afrikaanse Produksie)

Reservations / Tickets: Department Drama and Theatre Arts

Emmie van Wyk - +27 51 401 2160

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