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15 April 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied
Kay-leigh van Rooyen
Kay-Leigh van Rooyen, Research Assistant at the University of the Free State (UFS), was one of sixteen individuals selected to participate in the 2024 Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.

As one of only sixteen recipients of the prestigious 2024 Abe Bailey Travel Bursary, Kay-Leigh van Rooyen, Research Assistant at the University of the Free State (UFS), recently returned from a life-changing journey across the United Kingdom. Representing the UFS on this esteemed programme, van Rooyen joined a cohort of emerging South African leaders in a transformative cultural and academic exchange. 

Reflecting on the experience, she described it as “nothing short of amazing.” 

“The experience was so much more than just visiting new places,” she said. “It was about engaging in meaningful conversations, forming lasting relationships, and gaining fresh perspectives on global issues.”

The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary aims to empower young South Africans through leadership development, cross-cultural exchange, and exposure to international dialogue. According to van Rooyen, this initiative was a powerful platform for personal growth, enabling her to see the world – and South Africa - through new lens.

“I learned the power of perspective - how others view our country, and how to understand global challenges from diverse vantage points,” she said. “I also realised that leadership is not about titles, but about influence and empathy.” 

 

A journey through the UK 

The bursary cohort convened in Cape Town on 23 November 2023 before departing for the UK, where they travelled from London to Edinburgh and back. The programme officially concluded on 18 December 2024/3. 

During the tour, the group visited iconic institutions such as the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the British Library, the Francis Crick Institute, and the Houses of Parliament. For van Rooyen, the highlight was the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and changemakers. 

“One of the most memorable moments was having lunch in a chamber of the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster with Lord Karan Bilimoria, the founder and chairman of Cobra Beer. The conversation was insightful and inspiring,” she said.  

 

A global stage for the UFS

Van Rooyen emphasised the professional impact of the experience, noting how it shaped her perspective on the role of academia in society. 

“This experience has changed the way I approach my work. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry - especially how we can make research more practical and impactful,” she explained. 

She also highlighted the broader benefit for the UFS community. 

“Global engagements like these position the UFS as part of the international conversation. Our students and staff have valuable insights to share,  and we can learn so much from other institutions.” 

Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation at the UFS and Chair of the university’s Abe Bailey Travel Bursary selection committee, echoed these sentiments. 

“The Travel Bursary so elegantly aligns with the vision and heart of the UFS - namely, to expose our students to a wider world and its global connections,” he said. 

 

Inspiring the next generation of UFS leaders 

Encouraging fellow UFS staff and students to apply for the bursary, van Rooyen emphasised the personal and professional rewards. 

“It challenges you to think critically, engage meaningfully, and build relationships with people you wouldn’t ordinarily meet,” she said. 

Prof Reddy praised van Rooyen for her achievements and representation of the UFS on a global stage.  

“Her experiences and insights demonstrate that she is an exceptional ambassador – not only as an Abe Bailey alumnus, but also as a symbol of the excellence the UFS strives for. We are extremely proud of Kay-Leigh and wish her well as we look forward to the great things that lie ahead for her.”

 

 

News Archive

UFS presents outstanding sprinting team
2012-01-26

 
Wayde van Niekerk and Gideon Trotter.

This is year is a very good season for athletics at our university with Wayde van Niekerk and Gideon Trotter, who are now part of the team.

Wayde, the world’s second-fastest 200 m junior athlete, was seen in action at the UFS’s first-year athletics meeting. This proud resident of Armentum Residence at our Bloemfontein Campus has enrolled as a first-year in the BA Extended Programme.

Gideon, an Africa junior 100 m champion, also enrolled for the University Preparation Programme this year with the purpose to continue with Human Movement Sciences later. He will soon be seen in action at the Inter-Provincial Yellow Pages Championships in Johannesburg.

"Kovsies is excited and privileged to welcome athletes of this quality on the campus. “With stars like Thuso Mpuang, silver-medal 200 m athlete at the World Student Championships, Sean de Klerk, SA 200 m Junior Champion 2010 and Kagisho Kumbane we can produce an outstanding sprinting team," states DB Prinsloo, Director: KovsieSport (acting).

 

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