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07 March 2025
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Supplied
Crystal-Donna Roberts, recipient of the 2016 Kovsie Ambassador Award and award-winning actress, has died following a battle with breast cancer.
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.”
Group of farmers from Namibia visit the UFS
2007-11-15
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A group of 52 emerging farmers from Gobabis in the Omaheke region of Namibia recently visited the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at the University of the Free State (UFS). The group, who comprised of several ladies and young people, are mostly small and large scale cattle farmers. They were addressed by several lecturers from the centre. Visits were also paid to among others a large goat farm in Upington and Beefmaster's feeding paddock in Christiana. The farmers wanted to acquaint themselves with animal production practices and possible food value chains and establish future business partners for their businesses. From the left, are: Prof. Izak Groenewald (Head of the UFS Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development), Sir Lesley Kaundara (member of the group), Ms Inge Kangootui (member of the group), Prof. Kobus Laubscher (Associate Professor at the UFS Department of Agricultural Economics), and Mr Joel Tjaondjo (member of the group).
Photo: Lacea Loader
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