UFS Alumni

27/08/2026

Shape the Future of Financial Planning

Are you a qualified financial planning professional based in Johannesburg looking for your next career opportunity?

Old Mutual is looking to connect with talented professionals who are passionate about financial planning, wealth management, and helping clients achieve their financial goals.

If you are a PGDip Financial Planning graduate and ready to take the next step in your career, this opportunity could be for you.

📍 Location: Johannesburg
🎓 Qualification: PGDip Financial Planning
💼 Organisation: Old Mutual

Interested in exploring this opportunity on either a Part Time or Full Time basis? Click on the MS forms link to complete your details to log your interest with us : https://bit.ly/4zCRXy7 or email Mickey Hariram on [email protected] to take the next step towards building your career with Old Mutual!

27/08/2026

Breaking Barriers: UFS Alumna Karabo Tau Makes History with Prestigious Scholarship to Study in the USA

This Women’s Month, the University of the Free State (UFS) Alumni Relations Office proudly celebrates alumna Karabo Tau, a trailblazer whose remarkable journey reflects the power of talent, determination, and opportunity.

Tau has made history as the first woman from the Odeion School of Music (OSM) to receive a full scholarship to pursue further studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Her achievement marks an important milestone in the growing partnership between UFS and SMU, opening new pathways for talented South African musicians to gain international exposure and world-class training.

At SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, Tau will study under internationally acclaimed vocal pedagogue Professor Barbara Hill Moore, an opportunity she describes as both exciting and humbling.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to study under one of the world's renowned vocal pedagogues, Professor Barbara Hill Moore.”

Tau’s success is the culmination of years of dedication and artistic excellence. During her time at UFS, she received the OSM Cowley Trust Scholarship for Singers in 2023, placed third in the Musicon Singing Competition in 2024, and captivated audiences through her performance in Dido and Aeneas.

In 2025, she was selected as one of only five South African singers to participate in masterclasses with renowned German vocal specialist Martin Hundelt during the International Mozart Festival. She was later invited to the Keystone Opera Intensive Programme in Pennsylvania, USA.

Her journey demonstrates what is possible when talent meets perseverance—and when institutions create meaningful opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams on a global stage.

As UFS celebrates Women’s Month, Karabo Tau’s story is a powerful reminder that investing in women’s education, talent, and leadership creates impact that reaches far beyond the individual.

Congratulations, Karabo! Your journey is an inspiration, and UFS is proud to celebrate this extraordinary achievement.

21/08/2026

From the classroom to building her own business at the heartbeat of QwaQwa

A proud Kovsie alumna, Baanetse encouraged young pre-alumni to think beyond the traditional path after graduation and to explore alternative opportunities, including entrepreneurship.

She was featured at the UFS Alumni Career Connect on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at the Charlotte Maxeke Gazelle, QwaQwa Campus, under the theme:

“Entrepreneurial Mindset: Resilience, Innovation and Growth.”

The thought-provoking conversation sparked meaningful engagement and discussion around the importance of embracing entrepreneurship, innovation and alternative career pathways in a changing world.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this inspiring conversation. Your participation made the event a memorable and impactful one!

21/08/2026

20/08/2026

Reconnecting in Namibia 🇳🇦

The University of the Free State (UFS) was delighted to connect with our alumni in Namibia at the Alumni Connect Event, held on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at the Stratos Ballroom, Avani Windhoek Hotel.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for UFS alumni based in Namibia to reconnect, reminisce, build new relationships and strengthen their shared UFS community. From fond memories of campus life to conversations about careers, opportunities and the future, the evening celebrated the enduring bonds that connect our alumni, wherever life takes them.

On behalf of the University of the Free State, Executive Director of Advancement and Stakeholder Relations, Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede and David Marupen, Director: Fundraising and Alumni Relations, we extend our sincere appreciation to every alumnus and alumna who attended and contributed to the warmth and success of the evening.

Your presence, stories and continued connection with UFS are truly valued. Together, we are strengthening a vibrant alumni community across borders.

Once a Kovsie, always a Kovsie!

18/08/2026

UFS Alumni Spotlight | Celebrating Excellence | Empowered Women, Empower Women

This Women’s Month, we proudly celebrate Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, the University of the Free State’s 40th Chancellor’s Distinguished Alum of the Year Executive Management Award recipient.

An accomplished scholar and academic leader, Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla continues to make a lasting impact through excellence in teaching, research, student success, academic development, and institutional leadership.

As Academic Head and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Student Learning and Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, she leads initiatives supporting approximately 1,800 undergraduate students. Her journey from Biochemistry to Health Professions Education reflects a commitment to advancing student success and transforming higher education.

A proud UFS alumna, scholar, mentor, and leader, Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla exemplifies the power of women to inspire, lead, and create meaningful change.

Congratulations, Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla, on this well-deserved honour! 💐

18/08/2026

Thank You, UFS Alumni Community.

On 14 August 2026, the University of the Free State Football Team had the privilege of experiencing the incredible support of the UFS Alumni community as they took on TUT at Shimla Park Stadium.

The result may not have gone our way, but the support from our alumni made the day special. Moments like these remind our players that they are part of something bigger, a proud UFS family that stands together through both victories and setbacks.

Thank you for standing with the team. We look forward to welcoming you back as we continue the journey together. The champions are back in action this Friday, 21 August 2026. They will be facing WITS at Shimla Park Stadium.

17/08/2026

London alumni, let’s reconnect! 🇬🇧

The University of the Free State invites you and your partner to an evening of connection, conversation and inspired engagement at the UFS London Alumni Connect.

If you are a proud Kovsie living in the UK and looking to expand your professional network, this is an opportunity for UFS alumni based in the UK to come together, share experiences and celebrate the UFS community beyond borders.

📅 Thursday, 27 August 2026
🕕 18:00–21:00
📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road 97 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3LB
Dress code: Smart casual

RSVP by 21 August 2026. Seats are limited and registration will close once maximum capacity is reached, so secure your place early to avoid disappointment.

Fill out the registration form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/7pqyZNwYAw

For enquiries:
Carmenita Redcliffe Paul
📧 [email protected]
📱 +27 84 808 2555

Let’s reconnect, engage and celebrate being proudly UFS.

14/08/2026

ONE TEAM. ONE UNIVERSITY. ONE MISSION.

The defending champions are ready to bounce back! 💪⚽

After a tough 4–2 defeat to UP-TUKS in their opening encounter, the UFS Football Team will be looking to redeem themselves and return to winning ways when they face TUT this Friday.

UFS ALUMNI, THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!

It’s time to rally behind our champions, fill the stands and let the team feel the strength of the UFS family!

📍 Shimlas Stadium
📅 Friday, 14 August 2026
⏰ 17H00
⚽ UFS vs TUT

Bring your voice. Bring your energy. Bring the UFS spirit!

Let’s pack Shimlas Stadium and back our boys to victory!

🎟️ Buy your ticket here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/387730-mens-varsity-football-ufs-vs-tut/ #/

12/08/2026

From Local Roots to Global Impact 🌍

Our fourth Alumni Career Connect (ACC) 2026 event held on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at Equitas Auditorium in Bloemfontein Campus was an inspiring success as we welcomed Cherish Vundisa Struthers back to his Kovsie roots to share his remarkable journey of creating global impact through storytelling, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and strategic leadership.

Guests were captivated by Cherish's authentic insights into building a purpose-driven career, using creativity to influence change, and embracing opportunities beyond borders while staying connected to one's roots.

The high engagement throughout the session reflected the value of the conversation, with attendees actively participating in the Q&A, sharing their own experiences, and exploring practical ways to apply storytelling and innovation in their personal and professional lives. The networking that followed created meaningful connections between alumni, students, and professionals, reinforcing the power of the Kovsie community.

A heartfelt thank you to Cherish for inspiring us to think bigger, lead with purpose, and use our unique stories to make a lasting impact.