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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!
Thirteen UFS students among Top 100 at GradStar awards
2016-11-04

Minette Nortjé, Jon-Dylon Petersen and
Bongani Mtotoba from the University of the Free State,
were part of South Africa’s Top 100 graduates.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin
Thirteen students from the University of the Free State were selected as part South Africa’s Top 100 graduates in the GradStar programme.
The programme, which is sponsored by FNB and Fasken Martineau, was set up by BlackBark productions and GradConnection. It is a unique opportunity for each graduate to draw upon the expertise and knowledge of those gone before them.
GradStar programme 2016
The GradStar programme matches the country’s best future graduates with potential employers and business mentors. The Top 100 students were selected based on leadership criteria and readiness for the workplace, in addition to their academic performance. The programme ended in employer workshops with the Top 100.
To have been in the Top 100, the candidates went through a rigorous four-phase judging process. This process consisted of the application to the 2016 GradStar programme, psychometric testing, video interviewing and an assessment day followed by the awards ceremony. The list was announced at a gala dinner at Wanderers Club on 27 September 2016.
13 top students from the UFS
The top students from the UFS and their majors are:
• Bongani Anthony Mtotoba: Law and Accounting
• Jon-Dylon Petersen: Quantity Surveying
• Helena Scholtz: Economics
• Mbali Moeketsi: Media Studies and Journalism
• Minette Nortjé: Law
• Molebogeng Motseke: Marketing Communication
• Neo Mathinya: Agronomy
• Phila Tantsi: Money and Investments
• Ramona Govender: Criminal Law
• Tiisetso Mashele: Mathematical Statistics
• Tshimologo Roestoff: LLB Law
• Tyrone Morehen: LLB Law
• Vhuthuhawe Sadiki: Corporate Marketing and Communication