The University of Pretoria (UP) is honouring Dr Lizette Kotze – a well-respected lecturer in its Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences (EMS) who passed away aged 48 – by establishing a fund to benefit disadvantaged students.

Kotze passed away unexpectedly on 19 December 2023, days after submitting her PhD thesis. Following a successful thesis examination, she was awarded a PhD posthumously on 3 September 2024 during UP’s 2024 Spring Graduation ceremonies.

Her legacy will now extend beyond her academic work through the establishment of the Lizette Kotze Student Support Fund (LKSSF). Her colleagues created the fund to honour the accounting educator’s spirit of compassion and unwavering support for her students.

The LKSSF aims to assist students facing financial barriers, ensuring that her dedication continues to make a difference in their lives. Contributions to the fund will help support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the resources needed to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Kotze's journey at UP began in 2009, and EMS colleagues recall that from her first interview she captured the hearts of many with her charm and dedication. She was known for her distinctive teaching approach and deep connection with her students.

Her lectures were not merely educational sessions but events brimming with enthusiasm, creativity, and personal engagement, colleagues and students recall. Her unique teaching style included lecturing barefoot, standing on tables to emphasise the importance of the content, and dancing spontaneously.

Kotze’s teaching methods not only engaged but also inspired her students. Her energy was infectious. For example, she typically started Monday lectures with music and maintained a vibrant, interactive atmosphere that made learning enjoyable. Her students fondly remember her willingness to sing, and her light-hearted remarks about deadlines, which she described as “rough guidelines”.

Her profound effect on her students and colleagues is evident from their testimonials. Her colleagues remember her as someone whose presence could light up a room and be larger than life. They also recall that her smile, quirky sense of humour and kindness could make most problems seem small.

Professor Elmar Venter, Head of the Department of Accounting, shares a touching reflection: “On 16 August, almost eight months after her passing, I received a message on LinkedIn from one of the students she impacted. The message read, ‘It's almost unreal to live and breathe in a world where she does not.’ This is just one of the many examples from her students who describe her as the best lecturer they have ever encountered.”

Kotze's impact on UP and its students will be remembered for years to come. Her innovative teaching methods, boundless enthusiasm and deep empathy have left an enduring legacy. The posthumous award of her PhD is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to education and the betterment of others.

Venter reflects on Kotze's remarkable journey with these words: “I wish Lizette could experience the joy of graduating with a PhD. She came so close to it. Her scholarly work remains a lasting contribution to the academic literature, a building block that other scholars will expand on, and yet another way in which she will continue to have a positive influence.”

Her light will forever shine in the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will inspire future generations of scholars and educators, her colleagues said.

Support for the LKSSF will ensure that her legacy lives on and continues to make a difference in the lives of students in need.

For those wishing to honour her memory and spirit of compassion, donations to the LKSSF can be made by depositing into UP’s account:

Banking details for electronic funds transfer

Account name: University of Pretoria

Bank: ABSA bank

Account number: 214 000 0038

Branch code: 632005

Swift code: ABSAZAJJ

Reference: A1G551

The LKSSF is a UP-approved support fund; UP regulations and the UP financial system manage donations received. If you require a Section 18A certificate for tax purposes, please contact [email protected].