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07 March 2025
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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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.”
Diversity targets in most residences reached, says UFS Rector
2008-02-01
The integration of student residences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is proceeding smoothly and the diversity targets in most of the formerly white residences, except one, have been reached.
This is according to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof Frederick Fourie, who was speaking today during the official opening of the University.
However, he did acknowledge that the diversity target for white male students who should be living in formerly black male residences has been very difficult to attain.
“It is hoped that new initiatives will result in more success in this regard in 2009. Other elements of the approved residence diversity plan also create new opportunities for addressing this problem”, he said.
Prof Fourie also commended the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the student leadership of the UFS for assisting with the implementation of the new policy.
Last year the University Council set a target of achieving a minimum diversity level of 30% in all junior residences in 2008.
Media release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt.stg@ufs.ac.za
01 February 2008