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12 September 2025 | Story Lilitha Dingwayo | Photo Lunga Luthuli
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

The UFS #FaceOfFacebook
2014-11-14

At the UFS, we are committed to our Human Project, which sets the standard for good behaviour and care. It reaches internally to our students and externally to our prospective students and our communities.

And so, the Kovsies #FaceOfFacebook was born from the need to communicate with students and thus become a virtual friend. Yearly auditions are held to choose the new face representing the UFS on Facebook. The successful candidate holds the title #FaceOfFacebook for the next 12 months, attending events and filming short video clips to post on our Facebook page.

We had a quick chat with our current #FaceOfFacebook, Katleho 'Blue' Letube …

Who is Blue?

"Media mistress, fashion phenom, diva divine darling, superwoman and lover of life.
I was born in a small town called Bothaville, where my mom and her side of the family are living . I started pre-school there, moved and completed my schooling career at St. Andrew's High School (a very proud S aint) in Welkom. That is where my dad and his side of the family are living . Also, I am a proud resident of House NJ vd Merwe and I am studying Governance and Political Transformation."

How do you balance everything you do?

"It's relatively easy for me to strike a balance between my academics, social life and leadership duties, because Jesus is at the centre of all that I do. He is my guide and my strength. However, I also take it upon myself to prioritise. Although I am a '' liker of things'' , I ensure that my academics are the priority and everything else falls into place perfectly."

Are you dating someone?

"Hahaha, wouldn't you just love to know? Well, yes I am off-market. I'm completely taken and I'm happy."

What drives you?

"I always feel the urge to expand myself by working harder, smarter, stronger, and more efficiently. If there's an extra mile to go, the strength inside me draws out the willingness and ability to go that extra mile."

What is it like being the #FaceOfFacebook?

"I have been privileged to be entrusted with this duty and I carry it out with pride and passion. Being the #FaceOfFacebook means you get to meet a new face on campus almost every day, because people recognis e you and want to know you better. This opportunity has opened many doors for me and has equipped me with skills that have allowed me to grow as an individual. Therefore I will forever be grateful."

Where are you going to be in five years from now?

"Five years from now I would like to see myself as a better person both personally and professionally, in a respectable and reputed position earned through my hard work and skills. However, do not be surprised if you see me as a presenter on Vuzu.TV."

Advice to prospective students?

"Do not be that pupil who enrolled at this awesome institute and never takes advantage of its kindness. The University of The Free State is an institution that offers an excessive amount of opportunities to students. Step up and get out of your comfort zone. See an opportunity, seek the opportunity and cease it. You are at a university that provides you with a platform for you to grow."

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colours are Black, White and Blue – hahaha!!

Kovsies can keep in touch:

Facebook: Katlego Blue Letube
Twitter: @Princess_blue31
Instagram: katlegoletube

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