Twin sisters Francis and Christine Prins are following in their mother and grandfather’s footsteps when they became the third generation in the family to earn degrees from Stellenbosch University.

Francis graduated with an honours degree in chemistry, while Christine, graduated with an honours degree in education. Both of them are former learners of Outeniqua High School in George.

Francis says her interest in the chemistry and pharmaceutical field was sparked by her mother’s career as a pharmacist. Her mother, Larna Prins, obtained a BSc pharmacy degree in 1988.

Christine is following in the footsteps of her maternal grandmother, Mrs Kobie Prins, who was a teacher. Her husband, Mr Christo Prins, was South Africa’s ambassador in Spain and Japan and also earned his LLB degree from SU.

Both Francis and Christine actively participated in campus life. Francis was in Serruria Ladies Residence for four years and served on the house committee during 2016. Christine was in Sonop and was a member of the house committee in 2015.

The twins say even though they studied different courses and lived in different residences, they regularly touched base to catch up, exercise and socialise.

Looking towards the future, Francis is considering a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative in the Western Cape, and Christine will start her teaching career at Worcester North Primary School in 2017.

Photo: Francis (left) and Christine Prince. Photos: Anton Jordaan