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Crystal-Donna Roberts, former Kovsie Ambassador Award-winner, dies at 41

07 March 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State (UFS) is deeply saddened by the passing of alumna and award-winning actress Crystal-Donna Roberts at the age of 41. According to Eyewitness News (EWN), Roberts passed away during the early hours of 6 March 2025, following a long battle with breast cancer.

The UFS extends its deepest condolences to Roberts’ family, friends, colleagues, and supporters.

Celebrating a beloved actress

Roberts graduated from the UFS with a BA Drama and Theatre Arts degree in 2005 and went on to create work that was beloved across the country and beyond. She starred in the Afrikaans soap opera 7de Laan and shows like Getroud Met Rugby, Montana and Vallei van Sluiers, among others. Her lead role in the film Krotoa earned her the Best Actress award in 2018 at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

Her extensive career in film and television was one of the reasons she was recognised by the UFS with the Kovsie Ambassador Award in 2016. This is an award given to alumni whose accomplishments have not only benefited themselves but their community and the UFS. Although Roberts was well-known for her work on stage and screens, she was also an author. She released her debut novel Speurder Sammi: Die blou steen (Detective Sammi: The Blue Stone) in 2022.

Outpouring of praise

Since the news of Roberts’ passing broke, there has been an outpouring of tributes on social media. Many of her supporters and colleagues have described her as an iconic force who was full of life and inspired many. Alistair Izobell, who starred alongside Roberts in Arendsvlei, responded to the news through a Facebook post which said, “My dearest sister Crystal-Donna Roberts my heart is broken today. You got your wings and your pain is no more. I am thrilled I got to do a chapter of my life with you. I will remember you with the great spirit you were. Now rest sweetly.”

News Archive

UFS wins national serenade competition

2010-09-07

The men from Veritas show why they won the National “Sêr” competition.
Photo: Provided

After many months’ practice, sweat and late nights, the “sêr” group of Veritas, a men’s residence at the University of the Free State (UFS) managed to make name nationally and bring home a coveted crown.

At the recent National “Sêr” Competition hosted by Stellenbosch University (US), this group of talented young men made a clean sweep when they snatched up the prizes in the Men’s Residence section, the best performance of a song for their gospel medley, as well as the prize for the overall winners.

The competition, which took place at three venues, was attended by approximately 3 000 people. The competition was presented in the Endler Hall of the Music Conservatory of the US and the halls of the Secondary School Bloemhof and Paul Roos Gymnasium. According to Corneil Müller, one of the adjudicators at the Endler Hall, the majority of the adjudicators agreed that Veritas deserved the first prize. The other adjudicators at this hall were Karen Meiring, Bondina Osterhoff, Saranti Rheeders, Leonore Bredekamp and Sidumo Jacobs.

According to the head student of Veritas and second tenor in the “sêr” group, the group did not really expect to win all the prizes. However, when the audience gave them a standing ovation, the group started to think that the first prize really was within their reach.

Their gospel medley is close to the hearts of the entire group. It is the men’s way to say thank you for their talents. “It is a very special song for us – it means a lot to each one in our group,” says Herman. To win the prize with for this medley for the best performance of a song was the cherry on the top for these men. “We did not even know that such a prize existed!” says Herman.

The ladies of Sonnedou Residence’s “sêr” group also participated in the competition. This section of the competition was won by Vergeet-My-Nie from the North-West University (NWU).

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication (actg.)
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl@ufs.ac.za
7 September 2010

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