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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.”
Simposia on Sentencing - 14 March 2008
2008-03-07
The Centre for Juridical Excellence of the Faculty of Law, University of the Free State (UFS) is hosting a simposia on 14 March 2008 on sentencing in South African criminal courts in the Senate Hall, CR Swart Building on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
Two guest speakers from the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, USA will speak on sentencing issues pertaining to speciality courts as well as diversion programmes. The Hon Judge of Appeal Brand and the Hon Judge Yekiso will also address the audience on sentencing issues.
The simposia is open to the public free of charge and bookings can be made at (051) 401 2698 or 401 9181 (office hours) or 051 444 5013 (fax no). Translation services will be available.
Contact: Prof Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer (051 401 2268).
Please confirm your attendance by Thursday, 13 March 2008.