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20 October 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied
John Bridger Prof Johan Coetzee Roland Rudd Fiat Lux
From left: John Bridger, Old Boys Association Central Committee Board member; Prof Johan Coetzee; and Roland Rudd, Headmaster of Saint Andrews School; at the St Andrews Speech Day awards ceremony on 16 October.

Prof Johan Coetzee, Head of the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been named the recipient of the Fiat Lux Award – the highest honour bestowed by St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein. 

The award, presented at the annual St Andrews Speech Day awards ceremony on Thursday 16 October, recognises Old Andreans (alumni of the school) who have made exceptional contributions to society through professional excellence and personal integrity.

 

A journey of values, excellence, and lifelong connection

Previous recipients of the Fiat Lux Award include notable figures such as former Nedcor CEO Richard Laubscher, palaeoanthropologist, Apartheid activist, and three-time Nobel Prize nominee Prof Phillip Tobias, former President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa Roger Crawford, and Carte Blanche Executive Producer George Mazarakis.

Prof Coetzee, who matriculated from St Andrew’s in 1995, describes the recognition as deeply humbling. “It is difficult to put into words what this means to me. As an Old Boy of St Andrew’s, it puts the seal of approval on the career path I chose – one that started in the corridors of that school 38 years ago,” he says.

He recalls that his school years shaped both his outlook and his work ethic. “The school taught me the importance of teamwork and resilience. It made me realise early on that life is not all rosy, and that one must maintain a balanced perspective – that is what sets St Andrew’s apart.”

For Prof Coetzee, this honour is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the close ties between the UFS and local schools of excellence. “It is extremely important for the UFS to maintain strong links with schools like St Andrew’s, which acts as a feeder for future students and athletes. It’s a win-win situation for both institutions,” he says.

He hopes that his recognition will inspire current learners at St Andrew’s to pursue their goals with perseverance. “I hope that this award awakens the drive in the current crop of pupils at Saints to realise that anything is possible – that your background or the setbacks you face do not define you. Also, and perhaps more importantly, that hard work and persistence does pay off.”

Prof Coetzee’s achievement reflects the UFS’ value of Excellence, exemplifying the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders who embody integrity, dedication, and a lifelong pursuit of learning.

News Archive

Art collection reflects values of SA Bill of Rights
2017-09-14

Description: Zanele Muholi Art Exibition Tags: Zanele Muholi Art Exibition 

One of the photos that are on exhibition at the
Johannes Stegmann Gallery.
Photo: Supplied

Our human rights are enshrined in the constitution. This is exactly what the Art of Human Rights collection reflects, as it responds to the values and ideals instilled in the South African Bill of Rights.

This collection is currently on display at the Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery at the University of the Free State (UFS). The exhibition opened on 23 August and will run until 23 September 2017.

Work of renowned artists and poets on display
The collection features renowned artists and poets such as Virginia Mckenny, Busiswa Gqulu, Andries Botha, Kobus Moolman, and many more. There are also articles from prominent South Africans such as the late Ahmed Kathrada, Mike van Graan, Justice Edward Cameron, and former UFS Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen.

Collection engages 27 clauses in Bill of Rights
The Art of Human Rights is a print portfolio which is an initiative of Art for Humanity (AFH). It is a non-profit organisation, based in Durban, which engages with cultural production, specifically in the visual arts, to promote human rights awareness regionally and globally.

Twenty-nine South African artists and 27 poets have created artwork for the collection. They engaged with the 27 clauses of the Bill of Rights by looking at socio-economic issues which is still prevalent in the democratic diaspora of SA. The collection addresses issues such as racism, poverty, poor education, and lack to efficient health care. These are all threats to our young democracy.

Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery hours (Bloemfontein Campus): Monday to Friday 08:30–16:30

Description: Andries Botha Art exibition Tags: Andries Botha Art exibition

 

 

 

 

 

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