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16 January 2025 | Story Lacea Loader | Photo Supplied
Jurie Blignaut
Jurie Blignaut, top achiever in the 2024 matric exams for quintile four schools in SA and finalist of the UFS 2024 Matriculant of the Year competition.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce that the top achiever in the 2024 matric exams for quintile four schools in the country, Jurie Blignaut, will be studying towards an MBChB at the UFS from 2025.

Blignaut, a pupil of the Rustenburg High School, was one of the 14 finalists in the 2024 UFS Matriculant of the Year competition.

“Congratulations to Jurie on this wonderful achievement. We look forward to welcoming him and our cohort of 2025 first-year students to our campuses,” says Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. 

Boasting 11 distinctions and an average of 96,5%, Blignaut is not only an exceptional academic achiever but also participates in several cultural activities. He was the winner of the Kovsie Alumni Trust’s special award for personal cultural achievement in the final round of the competition. This head boy of his school is an excellent public speaker and musician. 

Blignaut’s highest achievement in public speaking was his national second place in last year’s ATKV public speaking competition in the section for Afrikaans home language. He plays the cello and has performed solo with the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, was part of the school choir and band, and participated in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival. 

“On behalf of the university management, I would also like to congratulate Dr Mantlhake Maboya, MEC for Education in the Free State, and her executive team on the Free State being the top-achieving province in South Africa,” says Prof Rhoda. 

Other finalists in the 2024 UFS Matriculant of the Year competition who excelled during the matric exams include Susan Bender from Voortrekker High School – top achiever in the Free State province – and Chris Goosen from Grey College Secondary School, who is also one of the top achievers in the Free State. 

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Milestone graduation for the UFS Qwaqwa campus
2004-10-09

From left: Prof Peter Mbati:Campus Head;Prof. Frederick Fourie :Rector and Vice Chancellor and Mrs BS Tshabalala Director of Education: Thabo Mofutsanyane District

On 9 October,2004, the Mandela Hall at the UFS-Qwaqwa Campus was filled to capacity as the community gathered to celebrate the graduation of 177 students. Among the degrees awarded were : one doctorate , eight masters,31 honours and 46 bachelors. In addition, there were also 91 diplomas awarded.

The conferring of the first doctorate in the Natural and Agricultural Sciences to Dr Motseki Hlatshwayo made a history for our campus, because it was done for first time. This is a cause for celebration and attests to the resilience of staff and students, and to the commitment and support of our immediate community for the continued offer of relevant post graduate training here on the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State.

Amongst the dignitaries was the Director of Thabo Mofutsanyane District, Mrs BS Tshabalala. In his welcome speech, the Campus Head, Prof Peter Mbati said “ a special day like today is normally only possible due to the dedication and commitment of many different individuals. It is therefore only fitting that we salute you the parents and guardians for all your sacrifices to ensure that your children get the best education”

The 1st Deputy President of the SRC, Mr Tello Motloung also adressedthe granduands. “The year 2004 calls for celebration, as we are celebrating 10 years of democracy. Therefore, it is not a coincidence that we are also meeting

Media release:Ms Jabu Dakile

Senior Liaison Practitioner

UFS-Qwaqwa Campus

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