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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

Kovsie Tennis team defends proud USSA record in Cape Town

2015-12-01

In 2014, Kovsies won gold at the USSA Tennis Tournament for the eighth consecutive time. Six players from last year's 12-man squad are in 2015 in Cape Town again available. Photo: Johan Roux

Duke Munro already has six gold medals from the USSA Tennis Tournament in his cupboard, and the Kovsie Tennis team would wish to bid him farewell in a fitting manner during what will probably be his last tournament in Cape Town.

This year's tournament, taking place from 30 November to 4 December 2015, will probably be Munro's last, since he is completing his Master's degree in Quantity Surveying at the University of the Free State (UFS).

He has competed in the USSA Tournament since 2009, and would like to help his team defend its proud record.

UFS aim for ninth consecutive title

Kovsies have won gold at the USSA Tournament for the last eight years. They are the only team who have been able to win the tournament since the combined format was adopted in 2010. In 2007 and 2008, their Women's team won the tournament, and in 2009, their Men's team.

Kovsies will play in group matches against the Universities of Venda and Wits on 30 November 2015, against the University of Cape Town's (UCT's) second team on 1 December 2015, and against UCT's first team on 2 December 2015. The cross and knockout matches will be played on 3 and 4 December 2015.

Other sporting codes

The Sevens Rugby team from the UFS will compete in the USSA Tournament in George on 30 November and 1 December 2015.

For the past two years, the team has won bronze, and will be playing three league matches on 30 November 2015 against the North-West University's Vaal Campus, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's Port Elizabeth Campus, and the Vaal University of Technology.

Kovsies are the current Varsity Sevens Champions after winning the title in Cape Town in April 2015.

Ten Kovsie swimmers took part in the USSA Tournament in Johannesburg from 28 November to 30 November 2015. Last year, Kovsies came third, but unfortunately some of their leading swimmers were unable to take part this year.

The Kovsie Table tennis team will participate in the USSA Tournament in Kimberley from 30 November to 4 December 2015.

Most of the USSA Tournaments in the other sporting codes were either postponed or cancelled because of the recent nationwide student protests. As a result of the protests, exams were written later, and tournaments would have taken place during the holidays.

Only the tennis, table tennis, Sevens rugby, swimming, and cricket B Division in East London will continue.

The USSA Soccer Tournament, to take place at the UFS and the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, was postponed until March 2016.

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