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14 April 2025 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
NAS Medal Winners
The four medal winners from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences are from left: Christine Rossouw, Philippus Kotzé, Michail Cloete, and Jocelyne Smith.

At the University of the Free State (UFS) April graduation ceremonies, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences proudly celebrated the success of 1484 graduates – each one marking a milestone of academic excellence. Among these achievements, four standout students were awarded top honours for their exceptional academic performance.

Jocelyne Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Data Science and received both the prestigious Senate Medal - awarded for the highest weighted average across all UFS faculties - and the Dean’s Medal for achieving the top results in a bachelor honours degree within the faculty. 

Joining her in academic distinction were Christine Rossouw, Philippus Kotzé, and Michail Cloete, who each received a Dean’s Medal for outstanding results in their respective qualifications. Rossouw earned top marks in a three-year bachelor's degree, Kotzé in a four-year bachelor's degree, and Cloete for a master’s degree.

 

From setbacks to success: Jocelyne Smith’s unexpected path to excellence

Jocelyne Smith never intended to pursue Data Science. Her dream was to study medicine and make a meaningful difference in her community. However, when things did not go as planned, she found herself at a difficult crossroads. “I was devastated and unsure what to do next,” she recalls. 

A timely suggestion from Prof Eduan Kotzé introduced her to Data Science – a field she had never considered but soon came to love. Now pursuing a master’s degree, Smith says receiving the Senate and Dean’s Medals was a complete surprise. “I just tried to do my best every day,” she says. “Receiving the medals is a reminder that even when life takes an unexpected turn, the destination can still be extraordinary.”

Her journey has been one of perseverance, long nights of study, and a commitment to community and helping others understand complex material. “Helping others deepened my own understanding and made the experience more meaningful,” she adds. 

Looking ahead, Smith aims to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise education in South Africa. “AI can make a real difference if used correctly - especially in education,” she explains. Her research focuses on challenging outdated systems and empowering individuals through innovative, practical technology.

 

Designing for impact: Michail Cloete’s award-winning architectural journey

For Michail Cloete, architecture is not just about buildings – it is about problem-solving and creating meaningful spaces. Inspired by his father’s work, he pursued architecture with clarity of purpose and deep-rooted passion.

“My academic success was driven by balance, consistency, and a genuine passion for impactful design,” he says. That mindset paid off, earning him the Dean’s Medal for best performance in a master’s degree.

Cloete views the medal not only as personal recognition but also as a tribute to those who supported him. “It reflects the collective effort – the love, support, and sacrifices of my family and friends,” he shares. 

Looking forward, Cloete hopes to join an architectural firm that creates spaces with lasting impact, continuing a journey grounded in creativity, commitment, and thoughtful design.

 

Rooted in passion: Philippus Kotzé recognised for academic excellence

A deep love for farming and a growing interest in agriculture led Philippus Kotzé to pursue a degree in Animal Sciences. His approach to his studies was straightforward: “I went into the course to learn as much as I could. Good marks were just a welcome side-effect.”

Kotzé’s self-discipline, coupled with encouragement of classmates and lecturers, helped him navigate the demands of a four-year degree – resulting in the Dean’s Medal for academic excellence. 

“There is a saying, ‘Vele hande maak ligte werk.’ For us, the lights were on for four straight years,” he jokes, crediting the collective effort of his support network for his success. 

Now farming full-time, Kotzé aims to grow and diversify within the agricultural sector – bringing the same focused dedication to his career that defined his academic journey. 

 

Bright minds, bold dreams: Christine Rossouw shines in science

Driven by a love for problem-solving and a fascination with how things work, Christine Rossouw found her perfect fit in the sciences. “I love experimenting and figuring things out,” she says. Her curiosity and determination helped her achieve top marks in a Bachelor of Science degree specialising in Chemistry and Physics, earning her the Dean’s Medal for the best results in a three-year bachelor’s degree.  

Rossouw credits her success to maintaining a healthy balance. “Work hard, stay curious, and make time to recharge,” she advises. For her academic achievement is just the beginning - a stepping stone toward big ambitions, that include designing fireworks, advancing green energy, and improving plastic recycling.

Although the full weight of the award is still sinking in, Rossouw is already looking to the future – one that promises to be as bright as her ideas.

 

Words of wisdom: Emmie Pietersen’s message to graduates 

Emmie Pietersen, Head of Strategy and Programme Development at Peritum Agri Institute, delivered a heartfelt message to graduates at all three sessions on Thursday, 10 April. Drawing from the lessons that continue to shape her own life, she urged graduates to embrace each day as a gift – a reminder that every moment presents both a chance and a choice. 

“Your presence is your brand,” she said, encouraging graduates to carry themselves with both confidence and humility. True success, she explained, lies in the ability to prioritise, to plan with intention, foster meaningful partnerships, and persevere - because failure only happens when we stop trying.

In closing, she shared a powerful message she once gave to her son: “You were fearfully and wonderfully made. Grow your career with courage, but tread softly. Make us Kovsies proud.”

 

 

News Archive

Access to the Bloemfontein Campus
2015-04-02

Access Control Made Easy

The first phase of access control at the University of the Free State (UFS) was implemented in August 2014. The aim of this initiative is to tighten security measures on the Bloemfontein Campus.
 
Since November 2014, access control has been implemented at all five gates on the Bloemfontein Campus. These are:

  • The Main gate in Nelson Mandela Drive (Gate 1)
  • The gate in DF Malherbe Drive (Gate 5)
  • The gate in Wynand Mouton Drive (Gate 3) 
  • The gate in Furstenburg Street (Gate 4)
  • The gate in Badenhorst Street (Gate 2)

Here is some useful information about the access control system:

1. Remember your access card when you enter the campus

Dual-function cards (with distance reader compatibility) will make your movement through the gates more convenient. The university’s access system works automatically with remote or swipe action. Please make sure that you drive close to the reader or, better still, get the dual-frequency card to manage the distance between your vehicle and the remote card reader.

As of 23 March 2015, the extra security staff, who have been assisting at the gates since the implementation of access control on the Bloemfontein Campus, are no longer manning the card readers at the gates. Therefore, persons without cards will be able to enter the campus only at the one gate in DF Malherbe Drive where the Visitors Centre is situated. They will be referred to the Visitors Centre, where a day visitor’s card will be issued to them. You will need to produce a formal identification document (e.g. ID book, driver's licence).

Security will continue their normal duties at the guardhouses for the various gates on the campus.

2. Where do I get an access card?

You can apply at the university’s Visitors Centre front desk by producing your positive identification (ID book/passport/driver’s licence) and proof of payment for your access card.

You will then be directed to the Thakaneng Bridge where you will be able to collect your access card.

  • Go to the Cashier on the Thakaneng Bridge and pay your R65 for the dual-frequency card
  • Take your receipt, together with your existing card (if you have one), to the Card Division on the Thakaneng Bridge (next to Mellins Optometrists)
  • A new photo will be taken of you at the Card Office for your new card. Your new card will then be issued immediately.

Currently, there is a sufficient stock of the dual-frequency cards available at the Card Division on the Thakaneng Bridge.
 
Alternatively, you can apply online for your access card: http://apps.ufs.ac.za/cardapplication/application.aspx

Make sure you have the following documents ready to attach when completing the online form:

  • Copy of positive identification: ID/Driver's Licence/Passport
  • Signed declaration (http://supportservices.ufs.ac.za/dl/Userfiles/Documents/00007/4668_eng.pdf) by your service provider/employer (if you are a service provider) or a letter of confirmation from your spouse/partner/relative/coach/relevant UFS staff member or student in cases where you have to visit, pick-up or drop off your spouse/partner/relative frequently on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

Cost: R65 for a long-term card and free of charge for short-term visits and conference delegates. Pay at the Cashier on the Thakaneng Bridge or at Absa Bank, Account Number: 1 570 8500 71, Ref: 1 413 07670 0198.

3. Cutoff Date: 7 April 2015

After 7 April 2015, no pedestrian or motorist will be able to enter the campus without a valid access card. Persons without access cards will have to enter the campus at the gate in DF Malherbe Drive where the Visitors Centre is situated. You will then be referred to the Visitors Centre where you will have to apply for a day visitor’s card. It is important to note that no one will be able to enter the campus at the Visitors Centre without a formal identification document (e.g. ID book, driver's licence).

4. Dual-frequency card simplifies access to the campus

It is important to have your card ready on entering the campus.

This card will simplify access to the campus considerably, as the card reader will read the card when it is held in a vertical position at the driver’s side window in the direction of the distance reader. Please do not place the card on the dashboard. There is an antenna wire in the card. If the card is placed on the dashboard, you are not exposing the card surface to the reader, and that might influence the antenna’s response to the reader.

Remember, the distance between the reader and the boom is only a few metres.  If you approach the reader at a ’high’ speed, you are not allowing the system to identify your card, match it to the entry in the database, check if you are ‘legal’, and then send a signal to open the boom. 

All five gates are equipped with distance readers. Within the next three weeks, two extra distance readers will also be installed at the Main Gate in Nelson Mandela Drive.
 
Please note that the dual-frequency card is needed only when you enter the campus with a vehicle and you want to activate the distance reader. All the older cards will continue to work at the tag readers. 

5. Use alternative gates

At times, some of the gates carry more traffic than others, especially with the peak morning and afternoon traffic. Gates with less traffic include:

  • The gate in Badenhorst Street
  • The gate in DF Malherbe Drive
  • The gate in Nelson Mandela Drive

You are welcome to make use of one of these alternative gates.

6. Pedestrians

No pedestrian will be able to enter the Bloemfontein Campus without a valid access card. If you have left your card at home or have lost it, you should enter the campus at the gate in DF Malherbe Drive where the Visitors Centre is situated. You will be referred to the Visitors Centre where you can apply for a day visitor’s card. You will still need to produce a formal identification document (e.g. ID book, driver's licence).

7. More information

Email: visitorscentre@ufs.ac.za
Visitors Centre front desk: Tel: +27 51 401 7766 (Mondays-Fridays 07:45-16:30)
Card Division: Tel: +27 51 401 2799 (Mondays-Fridays 07:45-16:30)
Protection Services duty room: +27 51 401 2634 (24 hours)

 

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