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Gradstar
University of the Free State students Okuhle Tobho, Lutricia Tyongwe, Talha Suleman, and Thelby Tshiuda are among the 53 UFS students recognised in the Top 500 of the 2025 GradStar Awards, which celebrate South Africa’s most employable graduates.

The University of the Free State (UFS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and student success by securing a place in the top three universities nationally at the 2025 GradStar Awards.  An impressive 53 UFS students were recognised among the prestigious Top 500 list announced on 24 August. 

The GradStar Awards, now in their 10th year, highlight students across South African universities who demonstrate the employability skills, leadership qualities, and potential to make a meaningful impact in the workplace. More than 700 students entered the initial assessment phase this year, which focused on how they perceive themselves as future change-makers. 

Assistant Director for the Division of Student Affairs, Belinda Janeke, emphasised the importance of this achievement: 

“This recognition speaks to both our students and our staff. The UFS places a high premium on employability, and both academic and support staff play a vital role in equipping our students with the skills to succeed. I like to use the analogy of a car: academics teach you to build the car and understand all its parts, whereas employability equips you to drive the car.” 

According to the organisers, the 500 students selected will now proceed to the next stage of a three-phase assessment process, with the goal of reaching the GradStar Top 100. 

For final-year BSc Actuarial Science student and two-time Golden Key recipient, Talha Suleman, the journey has only just begun: 

“Reaching the Top 100 would open doors to connect with South Africa’s brightest future leaders and industry pioneers. My goal is to use the platform to expand my network, share insights from Actuarial Science, and learn from diverse perspectives. More importantly, I see it as a responsibility to represent UFS and inspire other students by showing that challenges can be turned into stepping stones.” 

Janeke encouraged aspiring students to take advantage of the resources available to them, noting the success of UFS’s student-centred initiatives such as the newly launched series of ‘shoe camps’, designed to strengthen employability. 

The UFS celebrates this milestone as part of its broader mission to shape graduates who are not only academically excellent but also highly employable and ready to make an impact. 

 

UFS students in the GradStar Top 500: 

Thelby Tshiuda - Bachelor of Laws
Tlotlisang Mhlambiso - Bachelor of Education Honours (Professional): Curriculum Studies
Samkelo Majola - NULL
Sindisiwe Thwala - Bachelor of Laws
Lefu Matsikitlane - Bachelor of Science Honours
Nomkhosi Mbutu - Master of Sustainable Agriculture 
Talha Suleman – BSc in Actuarial Science
Selewe Thokoza - Bachelor of Public Administration: Human Resource Management 
Rambuti Mohale - Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration 
Thabang Thulare - Advanced Certificate in Education (Further Education Biology Education)
Okuhle Tobho - Bachelor of Social Sciences
Kamohelo Moeti - Bachelor of Accounting
Sisipho Ndamase - Bachelor of Management Leadership
Ignecias Phathutshedzo - Bachelor of Public Administration: Human Resource Management
Kgagamatso Moticoe - Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Siyabonga Mahlalela - Bachelor of Computer Information Systems
Zozibini Jojo Bachelor - Public Administration: General Management
Kabelo Mahlaba - Master of Science: Clinical Psychology
Neo Victor Hlongwane - Master of Science in Agriculture
Bongumusa Mabika - Master of Education
Ontiretse Ngakantsi - Bachelor of Science Honours
Nelisiwe Mkhomazi - Bachelor of Social Sciences
Amanda Mashinini - Bachelor of Arts: Education
Jessica Dlamini - Master of Social Science
Jabu Hlongwane - Bachelor of Computer Information Systems
Pulane Portia Pudumo - Master of Arts: Environmental Management and Planning
Nosipho Koloi - Bachelor of Psychology
Shivani Krishnasammy - Bachelor of Law
Ayanda Mhlauli - Bachelor of Commerce
Nosipho Ngqasa - Bachelor of Science
Kefiloe Khaole - Master of Education
Makwena Semenya - Bachelor of Arts: Education 
Phindile Nyila - Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting
Luyanda Sphesihle Khumalo - Master of Arts in Governance and Political Transformation
Maile Edgar Ramoadi - Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Lebogang Thato Magodielo - Bachelor of Law
Pfarelo Maphangula - Bachelor of Education: Technology
Monthati Molale - Bachelor of Laws
Boitumelo Ngobeni - Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bontle Sello - Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication Science
Richard Pakiso Mphuthi - Bachelor of Accounting
Sifiso Royal Hlanguza - Bachelor of Arts: Cultural and Social Systems
Sphesihle Manatha - Bachelor of Public Administration: Human Resource Management 
Buhle Mahamba - Advanced Certificate in Education (Further Education Biology Education)
Justin Kruger - Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration
Selloane Mpheme - Further Diploma: Education: Language Education
Lutricia Tyongwe - Bachelor of Public Administration: General Management
Ogechi Mokotedi - Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Kabelo Sherlyn - Mashabela Master of Science
Marcellah Nyaga - Master of Higher Education Studies
Thulani Mabaso - Bachelor of Arts: Languages
Mogudi Sello - Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Lefa Rabase - Bachelor of Science Honours (Zoology) 

News Archive

Another opportunity to take part in Success Week
2010-07-08

Student Development and Success (SDS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) is focused on helping students succeed as lifelong learners. To accomplish this, SDS has designed Success Week to provide students with the necessary skills and information to help them succeed in their studies.

The success of the first-semester orientation programme has led to the decision of hosting a Get.Success@UFS 2010: Reloaded programme from 19 to 29 July 2010.

Students who previously attended the programme thoroughly enjoyed the programme and learnt a lot from it. It also became clear that they needed more support. The aim of the Reloaded programme is to enhance students’ thinking processes regarding their personal as well as career development. It is open to all students. The focus of the presentations will not only be on helping students to make a success of their studies but also to provide those students who are completing their studies with useful knowledge and skills to plan for their career pathways.

The Get.Success@UFS 2010: Reloaded programme starts on Monday 19 July with a launch where Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, will address students and motivate them once again for the second half of the 2010 academic year. Thereafter the UFS staff will compete against the SRC in the 5-on-a-side soccer tournament that will take place at Pellies Park. Members of Bloemfontein Celtic will also be present. Students can spend the day participating in the mini soccer tournament or just come and support their teams.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to make new friends and spend the day relaxing before the start of the second academic term. There will be prizes for the winning teams as well as for the best war cry and the most spirited team and fan base. There will also be funky give-aways for the spectators.

For the rest of the week there will be three interactive sessions which students can attend to help equip themselves with the necessary skills to succeed in their studies and future endeavours. The sessions include: Game Plan for Success, How to Build your Fortune, CV Writing, and Job Hunting.
Blackboard training will be hosted during the two weeks to show students how to effectively use this medium in their studies. There will be two opportunities for students to visit and be taken on a tour through the library to learn about the services offered.

All information and detailed programmes are available at www.ufs.ac.za/getsuccessufs .


Media Release
Issued by: Mangaliso Radebe
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2828
Cell: 078 460 3320
E-mail: radebemt@ufs.ac.za  
8 July 2010
 

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