BLOEMFONTEIN – Being involved in the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Matriculant of the Year competition as media partner is far more than a sponsorship for Novus Media – it is an investment in the people who will tell South Africa’s story next.

Esmé Smit, chief executive officer, says the company believes strong communities are built by people who tell their stories and use their voice.

“As a media company, we know the next generation is not only our readers and viewers – they are also our future journalists, editors, salespeople, digital creators and leaders.”

The competition perfectly supports their core values – community, trust, and relevance. It celebrates the best of local talent, while parents, teachers, and learners trust the competition is fair and transparent, and relevant because it truly makes a difference in young people’s lives.

Expectations for participants

Although this is the first year Novus Media is involved in the competition, they already hope every finalist leaves the final round with three things: confidence; a network of fellow participants, sponsors, judges, mentors, and future friends; and a broadened vision thanks to the exposure.

That was exactly the experience of Liam-Lloyd Doman, a 2025 finalist, during the final round.

“The competition improved my self-confidence. It taught me to trust my abilities and to be proud of my achievements, hard work, and personality. It also helped me work better under pressure, while developing life skills such as communication, leadership, and self-discipline.

“I formed valuable friendships and strong connections, which helped me greatly in my first year at university because I already knew people. It made it easier to adapt, meet new people, and feel more comfortable and confident in the new environment,” says Doman.

His advice to future participants ties in with this: “Enjoy every moment to the fullest, because those two days fly by! Be yourself, enjoy the challenge and adrenaline, and appreciate the people you meet along the way. The competition is not only about the title, but also about the memories and friendships you will carry with you forever.”

Who is Novus Media?

Novus Media, one of South Africa’s largest and most dynamic media groups, has deep roots in community media and local journalism that impact people’s lives. According to Smit, the company publishes some of the oldest Afrikaans newspapers in the country.

“Rooi Rose, one of the country’s most beloved Afrikaans women’s magazines, forms part of our family. We built NovaNews: a free, bilingual digital news platform that is already ranked among the top 10 online publishers in South Africa (IAB rankings, March 2026).”

In addition, Die Papier, the newest weekly Afrikaans newspaper, forms part of their stable, while the company is also building the largest school sports platform in South Africa.

“South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Too many talented young people leave the school system without anyone ever telling them, ‘You are exceptional. You have a contribution to make. You matter’,” says Smit.

“Projects such as Matriculant of the Year are essential because they celebrate excellence at a time when it is easy to become discouraged. They make potential visible – sometimes young people only recognise their own value when someone else points it out.”

How to enter

Matric learners from across the country who excel in academics, culture, and sport, and who wish to study at the University of the Free State next year, may enter the competition.

Scholarships, prize money, and gifts worth approximately R500 000 are up for grabs for the top 25 participants, thanks to the sponsors, the Kovsie Alumni Trust, Forvis Mazars (also auditors of the competition), Absa and Pick n Pay Preller Walk in Bloemfontein.

Learners may enter themselves or be nominated by their schools. A total of 25 semifinalists will be selected, after which 14 finalists will participate in the final round in Bloemfontein from 5 to 7 October.

Scan the QR code or click here to download the entry form, complete it, and send it to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za by 31 July.