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17 April 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi
Congratulations to our UFS leaders of the future!

The University of the Free State (UFS) has officially wrapped up its April 2025 graduation season, closing a powerful two-week chapter marked by pride, perseverance, and purpose. Across both its Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses, 7 994 graduates walked the stage, each one carrying with them a story, a struggle, and a celebration.

From Mandela Hall on the Qwaqwa Campus (4–5 April) to the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus (8–12 April), the energy was unmistakable. Applause thundered, gowns flowed, names were called with pride, and ululations filled the air. Some graduates clutched their hard-earned certificates with trembling hands. Others waved to proud families seated in the crowd. But in every moment, one thing was clear: this was not just a ceremony; it was a milestone.

This year, the UFS proudly conferred three honorary doctorates to individuals whose lives and work embody leadership, service, and scholarship:

  • Judge Raymond Zondo, former Chief Justice of South Africa, for his lifelong dedication to justice and transformation in the legal system;
  • Ms Joyce Siwani, social worker and activist, for her powerful legacy in children’s rights and community development; and
  • Prof Toyin Falola, world-renowned historian and scholar, for his outstanding contribution to African knowledge systems and the humanities.

 Alongside these honours, 18 Dean’s Medals were awarded to the highest achievers in each faculty. At the very top stood Jocelyn Smith, who received the Senate Medal – the university’s most prestigious academic award. Smith achieved the highest weighted average across all faculties and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Data Science from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

But it was not just a celebration of titles. It was a celebration of people. Seventeen members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) also received their qualifications, proving that leadership and academic excellence go hand in hand. And, stepping out from behind lecture-hall podiums and office desks, several academic and support staff members crossed the stage, upgrading their qualifications and proving that learning never stops.

As the UFS journeys toward its future vision – Vision 130 – to be an institution of excellence, care, and impact by 2034, graduations like these serve as a reminder of the human heartbeat behind every strategy, goal, and milestone.

Now, as autumn leaves settle across the Free State, the UFS Class of 2024 walks into their future with heads high, hearts full, and stories that will continue to inspire.

Congratulations, Kovsies!

Watch as each of the honorary doctorate recipients reflects on what the recognition means to them:


WATCH: Dr Joyce Siwani

WATCH: Dr Raymond Zondo

WATCH: Prof Toyin Falola

“Today, I am receiving an honorary doctorate at a university that I never thought I would step into.”

On 9 April 2025, Joyce Siwani was honoured by the University of the Free State with an honorary doctorate in the Faculty of The Humanities, recognising her remarkable journey and contributions in the field of social work.

Watch her share in her own powerful words what this recognition means to her.

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo reflects on receiving his honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State Faculty of Law, highlighting the power of education and the urgent need for ethical leadership in Africa.

“Education is the only thing that can really make a meaningful difference to people who are poor, to those who want to change the conditions of living of their communities.”

Watch as Prof Toyin Falola reflects on what it means to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State Faculty of Law – awarded for his remarkable contributions to African knowledge systems, global scholarship, and decolonial thought.

News Archive

Student Bursary Fund Campaign launched: #FundAFuture and make a difference
2016-04-25

Description: Fund a Future logo Tags: Fund a Future

“The single most important investment any country can make is in its people.” – National Development Plan 2030


Video
Student Bursary Fund Campaign booklet (pdf)
Donate

South Africa’s National Development Plan states that universities play a key role in developing our nation. The cost of higher education, though, hinders most of our youth from transcending their circumstances.

In order to help increase the amount of lives transformed through higher education, the University of the Free State (UFS) launched the nation-wide Student Bursary Fund Campaign on Thursday 3 March 2016 in Cape Town.

“I believe the best way to break the cycle of poverty in South African families is to ensure that talented first-generation students gain access to high-quality university degree training,” says Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.

Student Bursary Fund Campaign

The campaign aims to raise R100 m to fund talented, deserving students who do not have the financial means to obtain a university degree.

“Championing the Student Bursary Fund Campaign,” Prof Jansen says,“is not only a professional quest, but a deeply personal one for me. The university and I cannot do this alone, though. We need your support and generosity to change the landscape of our youth’s future.”

Your support is crucial

Can your contribution make a difference in a country – a world – filled with need? The answer resonates in the life of each student that has obtained a degree by means of funding.

The impact of your financial support reaches far beyond its monetary value. It pulls families from poverty. It sends forth experts and visionaries into the world. It sets in motion a culture of giving.

It irrevocably changes the futures of individuals, of communities, and ultimately of our country.

Contributions

Each contribution will bring us closer to our goal of R100 m.
Contributions can be deposited into the following account:
ABSA
Account number: 157 085 0721
Branch code: 632 005
Branch name: Business Bank - Bloemfontein
Swift code: ABSAZAJJ

For enquiries or further information:

T: +27(0)51 401 3966 | E: FundAFuture@ufs.ac.za | www.ufs.ac.za

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