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Prof Hendrik Swart named among South Africa’s most influential leaders

29 May 2025 | Story Martinette Brits | Photo Kaleidoscope Studios

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

Music programme receives a boost

2004-08-20

Back standing fltr: Mr Peter Guy - Founder and coordinator: Mangaung String Program and snr lecturer at the Musicon; Mrs Francine Duvenage, Manager: Human Resources, Wesbank. Middle fltr: Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS; Mr Apie Otto, Area Manager: Vehicles, Wesbank Free State and Northern Cape. Front fltr: Mr John Minaar (17), Gr 12 Sand du Plessis Secondary School; Repiloe Olifant (14) Gr 10 Navalsig Secondary School; Moeketsi Khang (16) Gr 11 Tsoseletso Secondary School; Stella Benbooi (12) Gr 7 Bochabela Primary School.

The Mangaung String Programme, a partnership between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Free State Musicon, an institution that falls under the auspices of the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, has recently received heartened encouragement when an amount of R342 000,00 was granted to the programme by the Wesbank/First Rand Foundation for the purchasing of a bus.

“Transporting the children who are part of the programme back and forth for tuition and rehearsals has been a major problem as most of them stay in the townships on the outskirts of Bloemfontein ,” said Mr Peter Guy, founder and coordinator of the programme.

“The bus will ensure that those children who have the passion, dedication and commitment can spend every afternoon if they so choose practicing, learning about music and rehearsing with children from all over Bloemfontein,” said Mr Guy.

Mr Guy, a Senior Lecturer at the Musicon, started the programme in 1998 with funding from the Musicon Parents Teachers Association, initially with 15 pupils - today 150 children participate in the programme. In 2002 the UFS formed a partnership with the Free State Musicon in the provisioning of facilities, tuition and musical instruments. “Since the involvement of the UFS, the programme has almost tripled in size and one

fulltime teaching position is now jointly funded by both institutions,” said Mr Guy.

According to Mr Guy the Free State Symphony Orchestra has committed itself to providing opportunities for gifted young players from all backgrounds to perform, develop their talents and to grow musically. Some of the children of the Mangaung String Programme will soon be joining the Free State Symphony Concert in concerts.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
19 August 2004

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