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29 May 2025 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
Prof Hendrik Swart
Prof Hendrik Swart from the UFS Department of Physics was recently recognised by the Golden Key Honour Society Southern Africa as one of South Africa’s 300 most influential leaders.

Prof Hendrik Swart from the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Physics was recently honoured at the Golden Key Honour Society Southern Africa’s Black Tie Gala Event, held on 23 May 2025. The event celebrated 300 of South Africa’s most influential leaders across academia, industry, government, and the financial sector.

Prof Swart, who is an NRF B1-rated researcher and currently also holds the SARChI Research Chair in Solid-state Luminescent and Advanced Materials (2023-2027), described the recognition as both meaningful and affirming at this stage of his academic journey.

“Being recognised by such a prestigious organisation is a meaningful acknowledgment of my academic efforts and personal dedication,” he says. “It was a moment of validation and inspiration, reminding me that hard work truly pays off.”

While the exact selection criteria were not publicly detailed, the emphasis was placed on academic excellence, scholarship, and leadership.

This is not Prof Swart’s first recognition from the Golden Key Honour Society. In 2012, the UFS student chapter awarded him honorary membership for his contributions as a mentor and supervisor – an early nod to his lasting impact on student success.

“The student chapter here on campus gave me some recognition by awarding me honorary membership,” he recalled. “It meant a lot to me as a mentor.”

The gala itself offered more than accolades – it created a space for meaningful exchange. Prof Swart reflected warmly on reconnecting with one of his former students from the early 2000s, calling it a highlight of the evening.

Looking ahead, Prof Swart welcomed the society’s plans to continue this initiative across the country.

“This was the first time they had an event like this, but more are expected to follow. I see it as a good initiative to mingle with other sectors in South Africa.”

News Archive

'Physical education at school level important,' says Minister
2010-09-16

At the conference were, from the left: Monique de Milander, Prof. Johan Bloemhoff, Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, Emile Langeveld and Riaan Schoeman.

A record number of four staff members from the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) presented papers at the South African Sport and Recreation Conference (SASreCon). This conference was presented by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) from the National Department of Sport and Recreation. This is South Africa’s primary national conference on sport and exercise science.

The conference, that was hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban with the theme Sport, Recreation and Physical Education – An Essential Triad, highlighted the important triangular relationship between sports science, recreation and physical education. A host of leading South African and international speakers presented papers on key topics that are relevant to the South African sports and exercise landscape.

The four staff members who attended also had the opportunity to meet the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile. The Minister reiterated the importance of physical education at school level to ensure that South Africa can compete against the best in the world at stadiums such as the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, where the function was hosted.
 

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