Th37 WE CELEBRATE A HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE 7 SEPTEMBER 2019 - UFS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
37
th Chancellor’s
Distinguished
Alumni Awards
7 SEPTEMBER 2019 WE CELEBRATE A
HERITAGE OF EXCELLENCE
www.ufs.ac.za
Inspiring excellence. Transforming lives.
Inspireer uitnemendheid. Verander lewens.
pg pg
Honorary Alumnus Recipient 2 Cum Laude Award Recipients 6-8
The Honorary Alumnus Award is the highest honour given to individuals who are DR KHOTSO MOKHELE This award is bestowed upon an alumnus to recognise excellence in any field, DR JANINE ALLEN-SPIES
not graduates of the University of the Free State but have made significant whether vocational or voluntary.
contributions in advancing the human and academic projects of the RYAN CRAIG ISHMAIL
institution thus lending to its prestige over a significant period.
Additionally, the individual is recognized for his or her outstanding JACO JACOBS
leadership, pursuit of excellence and service to the institution.
Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Recipient 4 Executive Management Award Recipient 9-10
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year is the highest honour accorded DR RIANA SCHEEPERS This service award is presented to an individual who has delivered MARIUS JV RENSBURG
to an alumnus in recognition of the recipient’s distinguished achievements. exceptional service to the University of the Free State.
This award celebrates an excellent alumnus who serves to inspire fellow PROF CORINNA WALSH
alumni, current students and the community at large.
Young Alumnus of the Year Recipient 5 Kovsie Ambassador Award 11-13
This award acknowledges the achievements of alumni who have graduated within KARLA PRETORIUS The Kovsie Ambassador Award is bestowed upon an individual whose LOUZANNE COETZEE
the past decade and have contributed immensely to their fields. achievements have brought distinction to him/her, benefited his/her
community and brought credit to the University of the Free State. ANGIE KHUMALO
KESA MOLOTSANE
Honorary Alumnus Honorary Alumnus
DR KHOTSO MOKHELE
Khotso David Kenneth Mokhele was born on condition that he was given the of his dedication to science in South Science Council (2008-2010). He Large Rhodes Scholarship Selection
and bred in Bloemfontein, matriculated freedom to transform the FRD into a Africa. The success of this project laid also represented South Africa on the Committee for more than 10 years.
from the Moroka High School and funding agency geared to meeting the the basis for South Africa being selected executive board of UNESCO (1997-2001) Khotso Mokhele’s contribution to
obtained a BSc degree in Agriculture needs of higher education in South to host more than 70% of the Square and served as Chairperson of the Special science in South Africa has received
from the University of Fort Hare, where Africa. Shortly after he joined the FRD Kilometre Array (SKA), an international Committee of this board (1999-2001). wide recognition locally and abroad. He
he won the Massey-Ferguson award in June 1992, he made his presence mega-telescope for radio astronomy. Dr Mokhele was part of the UNESCO has received six honorary doctorates,
for the best student in his field. He felt as an outstanding organiser and He was appointed as member of the assignment (2006-2007) to review the most recent from Rutgers University
continued his postgraduate studies at communicator; several new research- first Council for Higher Education and the science and technology system of in the USA. He was made a Chevalier of
the University of California Davis on the funding programmes were initiated, deputy convenor of its task force on the the member states of the Caribbean the Legion of Honour by the President
prestigious Fulbright-Hays Scholarship with a strong emphasis on developing Reconfiguration of Higher Education, Community (CARICOM) and give advice of France in recognition of his personal
Programme, completing his MSc (Food people who had previously been and he served on the councils of a on how to leverage science, technology, efforts in strengthening scientific ties
Science) and PhD (Microbiology). He excluded. When Dr Arndt retired in number of universities. More recently, and innovation for the development of between France and South Africa, and
was awarded postdoctoral fellowships 1996, Mokhele was the obvious choice he was appointed by the Minister of the Caribbean region. was appointed a director of the Salzburg
at the Johns Hopkins University and to succeed him as President of the FRD. Science and Technology as a member Dr Mokhele’s corporate positions Global Seminar – an institution focused
the University of Pennsylvania in the As President and CEO of the National of the National Advisory Council on included Non-Executive Chairman on on global change, and subsequently as
USA. Mokhele returned to South Africa Research Foundation (NRF) (1999- Innovation, and by the Minister of the Board of Directors of Impala Platinum member of its Council of Senior Fellows.
in 1987, set on becoming a top-class 2006), Dr Mokhele played a central Labour as chair of the National Skills Holdings Ltd (Implats), ArcelorMittal He was the recipient of the Technology
academic and researcher. He held role in providing visionary and strategic Board. South Africa, and Adcock Ingram Top 100 Lifetime Achievers Award in
lecturing posts at the Universities of direction to the South African science His role in science is recognised Holdings Ltd; Non-Executive Director of 2009, and the National Science and
Fort Hare (1987-1989) and Cape Town system and to the development agenda internationally. In achieving his vision, African Oxygen Ltd (Afrox), Zimbabwe Technology Forum Award in 2005. He
(1990-1992). of the country. also received the Science Diplomacy
he recognised the importance of South Platinum Holdings Ltd (Zimplats),
UFS Chancellor Award from the Minister of Science and
In 1992, he was approached by He was part of the team that drafted Africa’s re-entry into the international Mapitso Consortium, Kenosi Investment
Technology in South Africa (2015).
Dr Rein Arndt, the then President of the 2010 – current the Green Paper for science and science community and has been Holdings, and Tiger Brands Ltd. He is
Foundation for Research Development technology, was the founder President an ambassador for South African the President of the Hans Merensky After more than 10 years at the helm of
(FRD – the predecessor of the NRF), to of the Academy of Science of South and African science in high-profile Foundation (South Africa) and a trustee first the FRD and then the NRF, Khotso
join the foundation as one of its vice- Africa (ASSAF), Chairperson of the international fora. He was elected of SciDev.Net (a web-based scientific Mokhele had decided that the time
presidents. The decision was a difficult Economic Advisory Council to the Vice-President: Scientific Planning and magazine based in London, UK) and had come for new blood to take over
one for the young Mokhele. Not only Premier of the Free State (2001-2004), Review of the International Council for Start International Inc (a global-change and for him to focus his talents on new
had he just embarked on an academic and a member of the Advisory Council Science (ICSU) and as Chairperson of capacity-building initiative based in the ventures.
career, he was uncertain whether it on Innovation to the Minister of Science its Committee for Scientific Planning USA). He was Chairman of the Rhodes It is appropriate at this point in his
was appropriate for a political activist and Technology (2003-2007). His role in and Review (2005-2008), as well Scholarship Selection Committee for career that the university pay tribute
to join a parastatal organisation under securing government and international as a member of the Committee on Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho, to and acknowledge the monumental
the apartheid government. After much support for the Southern African Large Developing and Transition Economy and Swaziland (2007–2011) and achievements of a truly great South
soul searching, he accepted the offer Telescope (SALT) Project is evidence Countries of the International Social has served on the South Africa at African.
2 3
Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Young Alumnus of the Year
DR RIANA SCHEEPERS KARLA PRETORIUS
Riana Scheepers was born in Vryheid, the farm’s boutique brandy received a Karla Pretorius graduated with a BSc 2016 to 2019, in the test series against
KwaZulu-Natal, where she grew up gold international Michelangelo award. Dietetics degree from the University of Wales in 2016, and in the Diamond
with Zulu children. Riana learnt to speak In 2015, she moved with her husband to the Free State (UFS) in 2014. She has Challenge in 2016 and 2018. She was also
Zulu at an early age and visited the Zulu Wildernis near George. a passion for academic writing and part of the Free State senior team at the
narrator at night to listen to his stories. recently completed her master’s degree
Riana has been Huisgenoot’s social Spar National Championship in Durban
In 1975, she matriculated as head girl in Dietetics/Sports Nutrition at the UFS.
adviser for the column Vra vir dr Adri in 2016. In 2018, Karla represented team
from the Vryheid High School. She won As a registered dietician, she worked
since 2002. She managed several South Africa at the Commonwealth
several prizes in poetry, writing, and as community-service dietician for
columns and wrote sketches for, among Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
debating competitions. She participated the Mangaung University Community
others, Volksblad, Beeld, Die Burger, the
in various sports and acquired Northern Partnership Programme in 2015. At the recent Netball World Cup in
Belgian newspaper De Morgen, Finesse,
Natal colours for athletics, swimming, Pretorius has been a professional net-
De Kat, and Rooi Rose. In 2000, she Liverpool, England, Pretorius was named
and decorative diving. ball player since 2015/2016, with
became a member of the South African Player of the Tournament on Sunday
She obtained a BA in Communication Academy for Science and Arts. experience at national and international 21 July 2019, making her officially the
Studies, BAHons in Afrikaans, and MA level. She is regularly involved in net-
She undertook several lecture tours on world’s best netballer. She was twice
in Afrikaans (all cum laude) at the Uni- ball coaching and is currently pursuing
her own work and on Afrikaans litera- named Player of the Match during the
versity of the Free State (UFS). During a Diploma in Sports Management as well
her years at university, she excelled in ture in the Netherlands, Friesland, and as Netball South Africa level 2 coaching World Cup, and her 20 intercepts were
various fields. Among others, she was Poland. The Flemish Parliament invited accreditation. She has excellent lead- the joint third most. According to the
editor of the student magazine, Irawa, her to participate in its 30th anniversa- ership skills and a thorough knowledge organisers, the fact that South Africa
Author Professional Athlete
and in 1979 she was elected to the ry celebrations on 11 June 2002, during of netball, with a strong capability of reached the final four for the first time
&
Central Student Representative Council. which 24 poets from the Dutch speech developing and implementing netball
QUALIFICATIONS Dietician since 1995, was in no small way thanks
community recited their poetry in sessions and programmes.
From January 1985 to March 1988, she BA Communication Science (1978) to her impeccable reading of the game,
Parliament. She was the only Afrikaans QUALIFICATIONS
worked as academic assistant in the poet invited to this event. She has been Team Bath in England contracted her to timing, and composure. She has carried
BA Honours Afrikaans (1984)
Department of Afrikaans-Dutch at the play in the Vitality Netball Super League BSc Dietetics (2014) herself both on and off court with huge
MA Afrikaans (1987) a speaker at schools, reading circles,
UFS. After this, she accepted a post as for the 2015/2016 season. She is now MSc Dietetics (2018) distinction and has rightly claimed this
and study groups on numerous occa-
lecturer at the University of Zululand, PhD Afrikaans and Dutch (1997) playing professional netball in Australia,
sions. honour.
and later as lecturer in Afrikaans and where she represents the Sunshine
Dutch at the University of Cape Town. bosch School of Writing and Creative Riana’s hobbies include hiking, cycling, Coast Lightning team in the Suncorp Other accolades include the Kovsies
From 1992, she was a part-time ra- Thinking. She resigned in 2001 to devote gardening, cooking (she published two Super Netball League. Senior Sportswoman of the Year (2016),
dio reporter for Die Burger, and in 1995 more time to her creative writing. After cookery books), and the protection of Volksblad Senior Sportswoman of the
Pretorius represented and later cap-
she joined Tafelberg Publishers as liai- marrying her second husband in Sep- the highly endangered Knysna dwarf Year (2016 and 2017), Free State
tained the Kovsie netball team between
son editor. She continued her studies, tember 2002, she worked as farm man- chameleon.
2009 and 2015. During that time, she Sportswoman of the Year (2017 and
obtaining a doctorate in Afrikaans and ager in the Wellington district and with Riana Scheepers has had an exceptional scooped one award after the other. the Proteas. Karla was the first South
2018), and Volksblad Sportsperson of
Dutch at the University of Cape Town in the women in the vineyards, presented career, both in South Africa and abroad. In 2014 and 2015, she was the Varsity African netball player to field for a side
1997. in the new Australian National Netball the year (2018).
literacy classes for adults in the farming She has made important contributions Player of the Year. She also represent-
In 1999, she accepted a teaching post community, as well as an annual course as a writer and language pedagogue. ed the Free State provincial team, the League in 2017. In her free time, Karla loves to travel,
at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellen- in Writing and Creative Thinking. She ran She is a dynamic person and an artist Crinums, and is vice-captain of the Among others, she represented the Spar especially taking road trips to small
bosch, where she started the Stellen- a guesthouse on the farm, and in 2009 that the UFS can be proud of. South African national netball team, Proteas in the SANZEA Quad Series from towns in South Africa.
4 5
Cum Laude Award Cum Laude Award
DR JANINE ALLEN-SPIES RYAN ISHMAIL
Dr Janine Allen-Spies obtained her that studied under her include Pauline Ryan Craig Ishmail matriculated from the Directorate for Student Discipline
BA (1992), MA (1995), and PhD (2017) Gütter, Angela de Jesus, Landi Rauben- Kimberley Boys’ High School in 2003 and Mediation.
degrees in Fine Arts at the University of heimer, Dot Vermeulen, Elrie Joubert, as one of the top 20 black learners in
During the annual UFS Law Faculty Open
the Free State. She works as an artist, and Louis Krüger. She has supervised the Northern Cape. He graduated with
Day, Mr Ishmail assists prospective LLB
image philosopher, and senior lecturer many postgraduate students who com- an LLB degree at the UFS in 2008. On
first-years and their parents regarding
in Fine Arts at the UFS. pleted their degrees with great acco- completion of his articles in 2009, he
the LLB degree. He has been a guest
lade, as well as many other BAFA art was admitted as attorney at the age of
As a visual artist, Dr Allen-Spies has speaker on various platforms, such as
students who immediately entered the 23 and started working at the UFS Law
excelled in the professional arts are- the Law Faculty Dean’s Awards and the
arts sector and have become notable in Clinic.
na and in the academic art sphere. Her annual event where LLB students take
pioneering career makes her one of the their careers. She thus paved the way In 2010, he joined Legal Aid South Afri- their oath as future legal professionals.
most sought-after artist-academics. for postgraduate art studies at the UFS. ca as a Professional Assistant, providing
Allen’s work is held in prestigious col- services to clients who could not afford Upon opening his practice, he appoint-
She has won several competitions and
lections, such as the Luciana Benneton legal representation. He obtained his ed a paralegal from the LGBTQI+ com-
is the first artist in the country to be se-
Collection (Venice Biennale), Modern Art master’s degree in Labour Law (LLM) munity who was unable to complete
lected for the prestigious internation-
al UNESCO-Aschberg Residencies for Projects, etc. She initiated many pro- in 2014. After his tenure at Legal Aid his degree due to financial problems.
Artists Programme, of which only two jects that had a cascading effect on the South Africa ended in 2015, he started Mr Ishmail took it upon himself to fund
artists from the African continent (in all Free State art world. In the Artists-in- his own practice, RC Ishmail Attorneys, this student, who will complete his LLB
categories including drama, dance, and Artist, Image philosopher and Senior Schools research project, she brought where he is currently still the Director. Lawyer & Acting Magistrate at the end of 2019.
theatre arts) were elected. Other nota- Lecturer in Fine Arts (UFS) different artists from different com- In the same year, he won an award for at Department of Justice and
Mr Ishmail was the youngest ever mag-
ble awards include the ABSA Visual Arts munities together to work in schools in the best business plan for a start-up law Constitutional Development
QUALIFICATIONS istrate in the Free State at the age of 31.
Award at the International Free State deep-rural and struggling communities. firm. He was admitted as a notary public
BA Fine Arts (1992) QUALIFICATIONS He also serves as presiding officer at the
Arts Festival and an Audience Award at Many of the artists in the project, and in 2015 and as a conveyancer in 2018.
LLB (2008) annual National Schools Moot Court,
the esteemed Spier Contemporary Bi- MA Fine Arts (1995) also those who have mastered art in au- Mr Ishmail was appointed supervis- and lectures Ethics and Constitution-
ennale, Cape Town (2010). Her art has todidactic ways, have received funding, ing attorney at the UFS Law Clinic in LLM (2014)
PhD Fine Arts (2017) al Law to candidate attorneys. He has
been selected for several international were selected or had won competitions 2016. He served as Legal Officer in the
and national group exhibitions and she in their own projects after they took served as branch committee member of
Directorate for Student Discipline and the National Association of Democratic
was a finalist in many prestigious South the exhibition: The Visionary Brusher part in this project. In the interdiscipli- Mediation from 2016 until the end of
African art competitions. Game (2017), which received the ABSA nary projects, for example, the Eureka Lawyers (NADEL) in Bloemfontein since
2017, chairing and initiating disciplinary
Visual Arts Award. project and the BioArt project, as well as 2016; during this time, he helped to
Allen’s academic career is a witness hearings for UFS students. In 2018, he
Dr Allen-Spies has paved the way for through her thesis and artwork, she has establish a student chapter at the UFS.
to her pioneering spirit and reputable lectured Criminal Law to second-year
leadership. She was the first scholar to many young artists in the Free State arts pioneered ways to critically participate His hobbies include food and wine pair-
LLB students, as well as Labour Law in
complete a practice-based MA (includ- community. The rather small arts com- and add to the discourse of interdisci- ing, he is an aspirant wine connoisseur,
the UFS Business School. He currently
ing a full dissertation) and a PhD in Fine munity has been consolidated through plinary studies at the UFS.
serves as chairperson in staff hearings does weightlifting, and enjoys adven-
Arts at the UFS. This PhD brought great a strong academically trained group of With such an impressive background, it on the UFS Human Resources panel and tures with his daughter.
honour to the university at both national artists that contribute to the national goes without saying that Janine’s hob-
and international level, culminating into art world. Some of the notable artists bies include the collection of artworks.
6 7
Cum Laude Award Executive Management Award
JACO JACOBS MARIUS JANSE VAN RENSBURG
The well-known author Jaco Jacobs was Kaptein Blitz en die Skool vir Superhe- Marius Janse van Rensburg obtained his for the South African Rugby Union
born in Carnarvon, where he matricu- roes, with Frank Opperman as Captain BProc degree at the University of the (SARU) from 2012 to 2018, as well as for
lated as head boy in 1998. In his matric Blitz, made its debut at the Klein Karoo Free State (UFS) in 1987. He was admit- the Guinness Pro 14 competition from
year, he won the Poort Prize for prose National Arts Festival in 2012. ted as attorney on 1 October 1992 and 2017 to 2018. Among others, he was
and poetry. He obtained a BA degree has been practising under the name Citing Commissioner for the World
Jacobs was awarded numerous times
in Communication Studies (cum laude) of Horn & Van Rensburg Attorneys in Rugby Sevens Series in Port Elizabeth in
and is often recognised as the most
at the UFS in 2001 and received the Bloemfontein for the past 27 years. 2014, and for the Beachcomber World
successful writer of children’s books
Dean’s Medal as the best undergraduate in South Africa. He also enjoys wide in- Mr Van Rensburg joined the management Club 10s tournament in Mauritius in
student in the Faculty of the Humani- ternational recognition. Among others, team of the UFS Rugby Club in 1996 2018.
ties. In 2002, he completed his honours he received the following awards: the as team manager of one of the junior The fact that Mr Van Rensburg has
in Afrikaans and Dutch Literature. Hennie van Deventer trophy for out- teams. Since then, he has served in the devoted himself to unreservedly serve
He started his career as editor of the standing journalism; 26 ATKV children’s management structures of the club in the interests of the UFS Rugby Club and
book page at Volksblad, also acting as book awards; the Alba Bouwer Prize; various capacities for an uninterrupted the University of the Free State for the
editor of the Jip and the weekend edi- the CP Hoogenhout Medal; the Maskew period of 23 years, including as vice- past 23 years, undoubtedly makes him
tion, Joernaal. In 2004, he became a Miller Longman Prize; the Kyknet/ chairman from 2000 to 2005. He was a worthy nominee for the Executive
publisher of children’s books at Lapa Rapport Book Prize; the SATI prize for elected as chairman in 2006, a position Management Award. His inspiring,
Publishers. translation; the Tienie Holloway Medal; he still holds, making him the longest- unwavering leadership – for which he has
the SALA Prize; the Exclusive books/ serving chairman in the history of the Lawyer received no remuneration over the
His writing career began at school club. He was chairman of the club when
Author IBBY Prize; and the Elsabe Steenberg years – has persuaded many rugby
where he participated in competitions the UFS Shimlas won the Varsity Cup in QUALIFICATIONS
e-book prize for translated children’s players and other individuals alike to
for aspiring writers, and the publication 2015. B Proc (1987)
QUALIFICATIONS literature. join the ranks of the UFS Rugby Club,
of his first stories in magazines. His first
BA Communication Science He furthermore serves on the following which has cemented its position as
children’s book, Pretpark, was written Known for his passion for children,
(2002) structures, where he ensures that the one of the leading amateur rugby clubs
while still at school, but Troetelgedrog Jacobs regularly visits school to moti-
interests of the UFS Rugby Club are in South Africa under his guidance.
was his first published book (2001). BA Honours Afrikaans vate learners; he also conducts writing
well looked after: the Free State Rugby His contribution to ensure the smooth
Over the years he has published more and Dutch (2005) workshops for talented learners. He is
Union Board for the past 14 years, from running of the UFS Rugby Club over
than 150 books for toddlers, children, also one of the Afrikaans authors who
2006 to date; the Varsity Cup Board of such an extended period of time is
and young adults. He translated more donates his work on a regular basis to
ter was one of the winners of the British Directors from 2009 to date; the Board indeed something to behold, especially
than 250 children’s books by authors the literary archive of the Department
Book Trust’s ‘In Other Words’ competi- of Directors of Cheetahs (Pty) Ltd, from in light of the fact that he has done
such as Julia Donaldson and Chris Rid- of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and
tion and was nominated for the Carn- 2017 to date. this while running a very busy and
del. He also uses the pseudonyms Tania French. The UFS can truly be proud of
egie medal. A Good Night for Shooting He also served on the Free State Rugby successful law firm.
Brink and Lize Roux. this member of the alumni.
Zombies and Suurlemoen were adapted Union Executive Committee from 2008 Apart from rugby, Mr Van Rensburg likes
Most of his books are written and pub- into feature films and released in South Reading, parenting (he is the father of
to 2011. He acted as Citing Commissioner to play golf in his free time.
lished in Afrikaans. A Good Day for Africa. The CD album by Anna Davel and two gorgeous little girls) and running
Climbing Trees was his first interna- the Jakaranda Children’s Choir, In die (he recently completed the Comrades
tional book, followed by A Good Night land van Kammalielie, is a collection of Marathon for the second time) are some
for Shooting Zombies in 2018. The lat- Jaco’s nursery rhymes. A production of of Jaco’s favourite things.
8 9
Executive Management Award Kovsie Ambassador Award
PROF CORINNA WALSH LOUZANNE COETZEE
Professor Corinna Walsh obtained her tion, she serves on numerous commit- Louzanne Coetzee was born blind due mark from 5:27:21 to 5:18:44, placing
BSc (1990), MSc (1992), and PhD (1996) tees with great wisdom, enthusiasm, to a hereditary condition called Leber her ninth in the world.
degrees in Dietetics at the University and commitment. congenital amaurosis. Her academic
Disappointment followed when she
of the Free State (UFS). She is current- As board member of the AIDSMO Trust, qualifications include a BA and BAHons
was disqualified at the 2016 Paralympic
ly a full professor in the School of Allied she is involved in community-engage- in Integrated and Corporative Market-
Health Professions Department of Nutri- ing Communication, and an MA in Social Games in Rio de Janeiro because officials
ment projects for Lebone Land, a care deemed her guide, Khotatso Mokone, to
tion and Dietetics at the UFS and serves centre for children infected or affected Cohesion and Reconciliation – all from
as Chairperson of the Nutrition Society the University of the Free State (UFS). have provided illegal assistance.
by HIV/AIDS. She serves on the edito-
of South Africa (NSSA). rial boards of the South African Journal In 2014, she became the first visually In 2018, she competed in three events at
Prof Walsh started her career as a die- of Clinical Nutrition and the open-ac- impaired student to be elected to the the Para Athletics event in Berlin, Ger-
titian in 1992, when she was appointed cess research journal, Heliyon. Apart UFS Student Representative Council many – the 800 m, 1 500 m, and 5 000
as a community dietitian in the House from her involvement in extensive ser- (SRC), with the portfolio Student Ac- m. She was in top form and set a new
of Representatives. Between 1993 and vice-learning activities, she is also a cessibility. From 2015 to 2017, she was African record in the T11 800 m race,
2001, she worked as lecturer and senior member of the ImpENSA project, which a research assistant in the Institute taking the silver medal behind Mexi-
lecturer in the School of Tourism, Hospi- was commissioned by the European for Reconciliation and Social Justice at co’s Monica Rodriquez Saavedra. In the
tality and Sport at the Central University Union to collaborate on nutrition edu- the UFS, and in 2016 she also acted as 1 500 m she had to settle for a bronze
of Technology. In 2002, she accepted a cation globally. junior lecturer in a computer module medal, but in the T11 5 000-m event
position as Senior Lecturer in the De- She has received the Nutrition Socie- for students with visual impairments.
she smashed her own world record by
partment of Nutrition and Dietetics at Professor: Nutrition and Dietetics (UFS) ty Best Young Scientist Award and the From 2017 to 2018, she was Residence Athlete
clocking a time of 18:00.34 – 13.97 sec-
the UFS; she became an Associate Pro- Association for Dietetics Community Head of Arista Ladies City Residence,
fessor in 2008 and was promoted to QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS onds better that her previous record.
Dietetics Award. She serves on the Eth- and she is currently the Residence Head
Professor in 2017. BSc Dietetics (1990) ics Committee of the Faculty of Health of Akasia Residence at the UFS. B.A Integrated and Corporative Coetzee has been nominated for several
Throughout her academic career, Prof MSc Dietetics (1992) Sciences and is a council member of Whether it is the 5 000 m or the 1 500 Marketing Communication (2014) awards. She was named the 2014 Sen-
Walsh has been involved in research re- the Nutrition Society of South Africa. m, Coetzee is breaking records in all B.A Honours Integrated and ior Sportswoman of the Year by the Free
PhD (1996)
lating to nutrition and health epidemiol- Between 2005 and 2010, she served her races. Fans of Coetzee were elated Corporative Marketing State Sport Association for the Physical-
ogy, which has contributed to a greater on the Board of the Medical Research when she set a new world record in the Communication (2014) ly Disabled (FSSAPD). In 2017, she and
understanding of both infectious (HIV/ chapters in books, 30 published confer- Council, gaining valuable experience in 5 000 m T11 category at the Nedbank her guide Khothatso Mokone received a
MA Social Cohesion and
AIDS) and chronic lifestyle diseases in ence proceedings, and 1 report for the health research and research adminis- National Championships for the Physi- Special Award for Disabled Sport at the
Reconciliation (2019)
the Free State. office of the presidency. tration. cally Disabled in March 2016. The Lithu- KovsieSport Awards. In 2018, she won
Currently an NRF C3-rated researcher, Prof Walsh has mentored numerous Prof Walsh is recognised nationally and anian athlete Sigita Markeviciene’s 16- the Free State Sports Star Award, and
she has initiated and led large-scale master’s and PhD students from South internationally as an accomplished re- year record of 20:05.81, set at the 2000 recently she was named Sports Star of
Paralympics in Sydney, was shattered hand. She became the first totally blind
research projects on nutrition and ep- Africa and Africa (Ghana, Lesotho, searcher, scholar, and philanthropic the Year (period June 2018 to April 2019)
by Coetzee’s stellar performance of female to clock sub-20 minutes in the
idemiology, obtaining grant funding in Kenya, Ethiopia, Botswana). She is a community-oriented member of soci- by the Free State Sports Association for
19:17.06. Markeviciene’s record was 5 000 m.
excess of R3 million. She has published well-respected member of the Faculty ety. The UFS is privileged to have staff the Physically Disabled.
widely, both nationally and interna- of Health Sciences, uniting colleagues members of this calibre and profession- bettered by 48.75 seconds when Coet- Two days before breaking the 5 000 m
from various disciplines and professions zee and her guide, Khotatso Mokone, world record, Coetzee set a new African Her hobbies include reading, walking,
tionally, authoring or co-authoring alism who embody the mission and val-
53 peer-reviewed research papers, 4 through her research projects. In addi- ues of the institution sprinted past the finish line hand in record in the 1 500 m. She lowered the baking, shopping, and cooking.
10 11
Kovsie Ambassador Award Kovsie Ambassador Award
ANGIE KHUMALO KESA MOLOTSANE
Angie Khumalo is a celebrated Johan- received that it grew from a once- Kesa Molotsane is a professional athlete In 2018, Kesa won the GSport4girls
nesburg-based radio broadcaster who a-week segment to a twice-a-week who has acquired her BA degree in Gen- Public Choice Award and was recent-
obtained a Bachelor of Science degree segment in 2012, giving the lowdown eral Management (2015), as well as cer- ly named the Bloemfontein MyCityRun
at the University of the Free State (UFS) on the latest box-office additions on the tificates in Basic Labour Law, Advanced ambassador, advocating a healthy life-
in 1999. She subsequently completed a Rob Forbes Show on Fridays and telling Labour Law, and Alternative Dispute style. She represented South Africa at
Bachelor of Science Honours degree in listeners what’s hot and what’s not on Resolution at the University of the Free the IAAF World Cross-Country Cham-
Botany and Genetics (2000) and went KrazyBoy Weekends with KB. She also State. She is the only athlete who has pionships in Aarhus, Denmark in March
on to register for a master’s qualifica- became the resident movie reviewer for won the Spar Ladies Grand Prix in her 2019, where she became the first South
tion. While working towards this qual- debut year. African to finish. She was named Kovsie
TeenZone Magazine.
ification at the UFS, her passion for In 2016, she broke the1 500-m record Sportswoman of the Year in 2017. Her
radio was unearthed. She began host- A self-described ‘speed freak, adrenaline
in the Varsity Athletics event in Stellen- contribution to the Kovsie communi-
ing a weekend talk show at Kovsie FM junkie, and petrolhead’, she traversed
bosch. She finished 1st in the 5 000 m at ty has been massive – she also volun-
and reading the news for the after- the country with DJ Fresh and other the ASA Night Series in Cape Town and teered and translated documents from
noon drive show. Before long, she was celebrities in 2011, and again in 2012 as the USSA Championships in Limpopo. English/Afrikaans into Sotho for the
poached by OFM to read the news. Dur- part of the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s During the Southern Regions CUC- Vrystaat Arts Festival since 2015.
ing this time, she was working towards Bikers for Mandela cross-country SA Games, she won both the 1 500 m
charity campaign. 2012 saw her join the Being the country’s most versatile mid-
completing her master’s qualification and 5 000 m and was 1st in the 10-km
5FM cycling team that participated in event at the South African Cross-Coun- dle-distance athlete – running track,
during the week, while reading news
the Argus cycle challenge, and hosting try Championships in George. She was cross-country, and dominating the
on the weekends. Realising that radio Broadcaster Athlete &
Vaya Mzansi alongside celebrated also selected for the World Student road-running scene – she has truly be-
was her real passion, she opted not to MACAH Foundation
QUALIFICATIONS music personality, DJ Cleo. The show Cross-Country Championships in Italy, come the face of Kovsies. Her commit-
complete her master’s qualification. She Ambassador
remained at OFM for five years, hosting documented them travelling the but the South African team withdrew ment to the sport was highlighted both
BSc (1999)
her own show. country on motorbikes and exploring from the championship. QUALIFICATIONS on and off TV screens and the athletic
BSc Honours Botany and Genetics track when she became a proud am-
In 2008, Angie joined 5FM, where her hidden gems and the country’s tourism In 2017, she took part in several events, B.A General Management (2015)
(2000) bassador for the Mother and Child Ac-
strong background in news and current offering. among others, the ASA Speed series Basic Labour Law certificate (2015) ademic Hospital (MACAH). Her sporting
affairs was put into use. She also formed The following year, she joined South in Durban; the World Cross-Country
Championships in Kampala, Uganda; Advanced Labour Law certificate (2016) career and involvement in community
part of the Roger Goode Radio Show Africa’s biggest urban radio station, projects is well-known; she is indeed a
weeknights from 19:00 to 22:00. An and the World Student Games in Tai- Alternative Dispute Resolution
Metro FM, as a sports and news true leader and motivation for every-
avid movie buff, she was introduced wan. She also won the1 500-m Varsity certificate (2019)
reader. At present, she forms part of one.
as 5FM’s Zulu Maiden movie reviewer Athletics event in Pretoria in a record
the afternoon drive team. She is also a
in 2011, offering sneak movie previews time of 04:26, was 1st in the 10-km Spar geria; she also finished as the 1st South When she is not a professional athlete,
farmer who is fondly known as ‘Mother Women’s Challenge in Cape Town, Port
and insider scoops. It was so well African lady in the FNB Cape Town 12 she spends her free time attending
of the Cows’ on Metro FM. Elizabeth, and Pietermaritzburg, and 1st One Run event in May 2018. She won sporting events, sleeping, family time,
in the 10-km Free State Cross-Country the 10-km Spar Women’s Challenge in running, as well as community uplift-
Championships in Bloemfontein. both Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. At ment – with a special focus on girls and
Kesa was included in the Athletics the USSA Championships in Sasolburg, young women (hence her involvement
South Africa team for the 2018 CAA she was placed first in the 5 000 m as in the MACAH Foundation). If that is not
Cross-Country Championships in Al- well as the 10 000 m. alumni material, nothing is.
12 13
Alumni,
scan, connect and stay informed
Update your UFS Alumni UFS Alumni UFS Alumni
contact details LinkedIn Facebook Web
T: +27 51 401 9111 | alumni@ufs.ac.za | www.ufs.ac.za
www.ufs.ac.za
You can also read
