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Kay-Leigh van Rooyen: UFS research assistant embraces global citizenship through Abe Bailey Travel Bursary

15 April 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied

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

Shortage of quantity surveyors discussed at UFS

2006-03-24

During the recent visit of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) to the University of the Free State (UFS) were from the left Mr Egon Wortmann (Director: ASAQS), Prof Basie Verster (representative of the Free State on the ASAQS and head of the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the UFS), Mr Greyling Venter (Chairperson: Free State branch of the ASAQS), Prof DG Brümmer(Vice-President: ASAQS) and Mr Patrick Waterson (President: ASAQS).
Photo supplied

Shortage of quantity surveyors discussed at UFS

“The South African building industry is experiencing an unprecedented high level of economic growth and prosperity. This is causing a definite shortage of registered quantity surveyors,” said Mr Egon Wortmann, Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors(ASAQS) during the association’s recent visit to the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the University of the Free State (UFS).

“This shortage is especially noticeable in local and national governments where unqualified and inexperienced staff, consultants and/or facilitators are now appointed,” said Mr Wortmann.

In doing so, the authorities that have adopted this approach are according to Mr Wortmann actually acting illegally and are not in compliance with the legal and statutory requirements of South Africa. “These unprofessional practices are unproductive, it leads to frustration and is strongly condemned by the ASAQS,” he said.

“The service delivery of these unqualified and unregistered service providers is often sub standard and does not comply to the legal requirements of the profession. It may also result in the tarnishing of the image and high professional standards set by the quantity surveying profession,” said Mr Wortmann.

“Universities offering programmes in quantity-surveying and construction management are also negatively affected by the high levels of activity in the building environment. Suitable lecturing staff are leaving the academic institutions as they are attracted to better opportunities being offered in the building industry. The ability of the tertiary institutions to attract young academics, to train them and to keep them in the longer term, is therefore almost impossible”, said Prof Basie Verster, head of the Department of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management at the UFS and representative of the Free State on the ASAQS.

According to Prof Verster the UFS supplies more than its quota of qualified quantity surveyors to the South African building industry. “Although more than 460 students are registered in construction related programmes at the UFS, we are as the ASAQS’s concerned about the shortage of students that can enter the construction industry. In our case, we are experiencing a shortage in black female students,” he said.

“Of the 460 postgraduate students, 38% are black of which 20% are female students. Graduates do also not necessarily stay in the country. As the UFS’s programmes are accredited overseas, a lot of our students leave the country for working opportunities elsewhere,” said Prof Verster.

Mr Patrick Waterson, President of the ASAQS, appealed to quantity surveyors to, when they are approached, consider academic careers or to make themselves available to lecture on a part time basis. “I also appeal to quantity-surveying practices, construction companies and developers to consider taking part in training activities,” he said.

The ASAQS has over the years developed a proud tradition within the quantity-surveying profession. Consequently membership of this organisation is a sought after goal for many members within the building environment. International agreements with various countries are also in place whereby it is mutually agreed that local as well as overseas qualifications are mutually acceptable on a reciprocal basis.

A more recent addition to the list of agreements is the reciprocity agreement entered into with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which makes it possible for South African based quantity surveyors to practice in over 120 countries worldwide.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
23 March 2006

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