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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

An education system based on hope is what South Africa needs – Dr Beryl Botman

2016-05-26

Description: Hope revised Tags: Hope revised

Dr Beryl Botman, a postdoctoral research
fellow at the IRSJ, with Dr Willy Nel research associate
at the IRSJ and lecturer at the UFS
Faculty of Education.

HOPE is tangible and concrete construct that should be rooted in the learning and training of teachers,” said Dr Beryl Botman, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice (IRSJ).

She presented her research paper Educators, praxis, and hope: A philosophical analysis of post-apartheid teacher education policy, based on the theoretical ideologies of Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. She explores ways in which oppression has been justified, and how it has been overcome through a mutual process between the oppressor and the oppressed, drawing on Paolo Freire’s theories and practices. The presentation was held at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Education, on the Bloemfontein campus on 13 May 2016.

From oppression to hope
Hope should be an educational construct for teacher education in South Africa. Dr Botman asserts that epistemology and ontology should be inseparable, as they are pivotal to an education system that is transformational.

The recent country-wide student protests and demonstrations are an indicant that education institutions need to seek understanding of mechanisms that fuel social conflict. Dr Botman claims that vast social inequalities make the process of democratisation difficult thus hindering transformation. She states that a critical consciousness is important for all South Africans, but more so for educators; it can be used as a tool to understanding the mechanisms of social conflict.

“Self-reflection and self-critique is vital for educators, we need to understand that we do not have all the answers because we ever-evolving beings, working on understanding ourselves and the people around us,” said Dr Botman.

The notion of hope
“I am a farmer. I have no hope for a future that is different from today. This quotation comes from Paulo Freire’s work," said Dr Botman. She said that the South African context and environment is similar. She said that people cannot live for today; one should live for tomorrow if hope is to manifest itself.

South African education environment needs to adopt a progressive consciousness that is future orientated, “You need to be hopeful, if you are radical. You need to be able to envision a new society and a new world,” said Dr Botman.

“You cannot only denounce the present, you need to also announce your hopes for a new society. South Africa needs education systems built on understanding. Although change is difficult, it is necessary for transformation,” Dr Botman added.

What makes hope educational?
“Hope is a vision for a tomorrow that is different, and vital for a transformative education system. To get out of a state of despair, people need to educate their hope. Lately, the issue of white privilege has been brought to the fore. You need to educate your hope, so that you understand the reality of others but, more importantly, of yourself,” said Dr Botman.

Dr Botma added that teacher education needs to adopt a Freirean pedagogy with a strong philosophy based on hope. The agency of teachers can either be hopeful or without hope. It is vital that education promotes hope.

“Teachers need to rely on their existential experience, the experiences of others, and the experiences of the children or students they teach. An understanding of all these experience reinforces the idea that people are life-long learners, always learning and adapting to society’s needs,” said Dr Botman.

Teachers as agents of hope
Dr Botman stated that current South African education policy is directed towards transformation but it does not stipulate means to achieve this objective. Further, she argues that educators need to put greater emphasis on self-knowledge, self-reflection, and self-education. Connecting with teachers, parents, students and the community engages with their self-knowledge and reflection.

Reorientation of teacher education
Dr Botman concluded by mentioning that rethinking ontological and epistemological aspects of education is important, and should be a pivotal point of teacher education. A renewed vision of hope-orientated philosophy and pedagogy needs to be adopted by the education institutions. A praxis, which is an informed action, when a balance between theory and practice is achieved. There is a need for an inclusive exploration of education philosophies and education systems not only European and Western but also African and Eastern as well.

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