The University of the Free State’s (UFS)
Qwaqwa Campus recently hosted its annual Student Excellence Awards, which celebrate Qwaqwa Campus students’ outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, culture, sport, and community engagement.
Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, held at Mandela Hall on Friday 9 October 2026,
Prof Grey Magaiza, Acting Director of the
Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, challenged award recipients to view their achievements as a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Your education should not only help you find a place in the world. It should equip you to change the world around you,” said Prof Magaiza, who encouraged students to use their knowledge and skills to address societal challenges. “Imagine a young student from a rural community who comes to university carrying more than books. They carry the hopes of their family. The sacrifices of their parents. The expectations of their community.”
He also urged students to uplift others as they progress, emphasising that “the greatest responsibility of excellence is to create excellence in others”.
DUX Award winner
The DUX Award, the ceremony’s highest honour, was awarded to 22-year-old Katlego Raseokgo, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree with specialisation in Geography.
The orientation programme is designed to help first-year students transition into university life through registration support, first-year seminars, peer mentorship, and co-curricular activities that promote academic engagement, a sense of belonging, and responsible citizenship.
“It came as a surprise,” Raseokgo said about winning the DUX Award. “But I believe this was through the hard work I put in and staying consistent.”
He also acknowledges his support structure. “I did not do this alone; it was through the help I received from my classmates, lecturers, and my family. We came to the UFS to excel, get our degrees, and go out there to contribute to society.”
For Raseokgo, education extends beyond personal success. He hopes to establish a business in his village, Senwamokgope in Limpopo, to create employment opportunities and introduce initiatives that encourage young people to remain in school.
His ambition echoes the message delivered by Prof Magaiza, who challenged students to translate their achievements into opportunities that benefit their communities.
Celebrating commitment and student support
Also getting recognition at the awards was Nokubonga Mabaso, who walked away with the award for KovsieSport Star of the Year – Female.
From the Faculty of Education in the intermediate phase, Lindokuhle Ntombela was named Best Overall Tutor on the Qwaqwa Campus. Ntombela believes commitment is what drove his success. “It was important to complete every task on time and remain positive all the time,” he said, and urged other students to stay motivated and wait for their turn.
The journey continues beyond recognition
While the awards celebrated individual excellence, Prof Magaiza emphasised that academic success should ultimately translate into meaningful change in society. He challenged students to look beyond personal achievement and consider how their education could help address societal challenges. “You have demonstrated that you can achieve. Now demonstrate that you can transform,” he said.
Prof Magaiza urged students to never stop learning. “This morning, be proud. Celebrate your achievement. Thank your families and your lecturers. Take the photographs; you have earned this moment. But tomorrow, the grind continues.”
Read full list of winners here.