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Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences honours top graduates

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

Letter to students from Prof Jonathan Jansen about student protest action at the UFS

2015-10-21

Dear Students

Student protest action at the University of the Free State

I wish to make clear that the senior leadership of the University of the Free State understands and supports the demands from students and their leaders that higher education be accessible to all students, especially the poor. For the past six years we have done everything in our power to meet that commitment to students who are academically talented, but simply cannot afford to pay; that is why our tuition fees remain among the lowest in the country. Our efforts to raise private funding have enabled thousands more students to study at the UFS than would have been possible on the government subsidy only. Whether it is the Staff Fund contributions (yes, our staff empty their pockets to support student fees) or the No Student Hungry (NSH) bursary programme (yes, we raise funds for food bursaries), we will continue our drive to fund students who cannot afford higher education. Let me repeat, no student with a solid academic record will be denied access to studies simply because they cannot pay.

Now, to the matter at hand. There is a national demand from students for a 0% fee increment for 2016. The Minister’s response, after consultation with stakeholders, was that universities should cap their 2016 fee increases at 6%. Despite this initiative from government, the protests continue on virtually all campuses across South Africa for the ‘no fee’ increase.

Our response, as the UFS leadership, is to continue engaging the SRC as the chosen leadership of our students in trying to negotiate a settlement on the matter. We have worked around the clock to be available to student leaders to find some resolution on 2016 fees. While we understand the demands of students, as university leaders, we can only work with the government subsidy we receive. Any agreement reached, cannot and must not place the university at academic and financial risk in its ability to deliver public higher education to the country - if that happens, everybody loses. Still, no matter what happens in terms of the response from government, the leadership door at the UFS remains open to finding a mutually acceptable solution to all parties in these deliberations.

Students, we are deeply concerned by the violence, intimidation and threats from the small group of protesting students. These dangerous and demeaning behaviours, like disrupting classes and verbally abusing students and staff, undermine the legitimate quest of students for relief concerning tuition fees. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and the university will take action where required. We must also remember that we have an obligation to all 30 000 students whose right to learn without fear of violence and intimidation must be respected.

In conclusion, over the past few years we have worked hard to build a culture of mutual respect and embrace as we worked through some very difficult challenges on campus. You would have noticed that the university leadership responded quickly and sympathetically to reason and respect in difficult situations of rage and demonstration. A minority of students, with some outsiders, have come onto the campus to break down that culture in which, while we might disagree, we continue to work on the basis of mutual respect. I urge all students that, as we engage of this important problem of enabling greater access to higher education, we continue to remain true to the core values of our Human Project.

Best Regards

Prof Jonathan Jansen
Vice-Chancellor and Rector
University of the Free State

Letter to students from Prof Jonathan Jansen about student protest actions at the UFS (Pdf format)

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