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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

Kovsie student and reigning Miss Lesotho en route to Miss World 2015
2015-11-03

 Relebohile Kobeli - the beauty queen of Lesotho

Relebohile Kobeli was crowned Miss Lesotho 2015 earlier this year, and is now en route to Miss World International 2015 in China to represent the mountainous Kingdom. The beauty pageant, which takes place between November and December, will see contestants from over 150 countries contending for the title.

The nineteen-year-old second-year Geography and Environmental Management student at the University of the Free State (UFS) also won Miss Lesotho in 2014. She holds other titles, such as Miss Outeniqua 2014, and First Princess Face of Lesotho 2013.

What would it mean to be the first from Lesotho to sit on the Miss World throne?

I believe that it would be a turning point for pageantry in Lesotho. We are one of the few countries that do not fully recognise pageants, and the value they add to the tourism industry. Winning the throne would be putting into practice the theory that we, as beauty queens in Lesotho, always practice what we preach.

Since beginning this Miss World contest, in what way have you reached out to your community through the Beauty with a Purpose project?

My Beauty with a Purpose project focuses mainly on introducing and helping start up sustainable projects in communities. I wanted to move away from giving people donations to giving them the skills to ensure their long-term livelihood.

What skill sets do you possess that are essential to succeeding as an international first queen?

I am a very creative individual who thinks on her feet. That is important for me because, when you are far away from home, should things go wrong, there's no room for panic. I am sociable and human-centered, I relate to different people, regardless of cultural differences, and, as an international queen, it is important to be appreciative of others’ way of life, regardless of how different it is are from your own.

Rolene Strauss, the current Miss World, stated her ambition to capitalise on promoting forgiveness, hope, and unity during her tenure. What are you hoping to achieve, given the chance as her successor?

I would definitely speak about self-reliance among young women and the youth at large. I come from a country where not everyone is lucky enough to get a job. In such cases, young men and women fall into crime, young women become victims of sexual abuse or prostitution, and, although one may argue that that is self-reliance, is it sustainable? Is it not escaping one fire to jump into another? It is important for me to represent every girl who has ever had a dream. I am spreading the message of possibilities when the world is yelling "Impossible!"

What has been the highlight of your term as Miss Lesotho?

My greatest highlight was finding myself through service to others. I discovered that the more I invest in myself, the more of me I can give and share.

The Miss Lesotho 2016 competition is around the corner, what words of wisdom would you like to share with hopefuls?

Pageantry is not all about pretty dresses and tiaras. It is hard work. Always be humble, and remember that, whatever the outcome, it is your life's journey.  You are destined for greatness. Don't deny yourself that privilege.

In your experience, what is the Kovsie feeling referred to in the maxim “Only a Kovsie knows the feeling”?

It is the desire to want to be great, the motivation to live to my full potential.

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