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“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning,” Prof Fanie Snyman quoted Louis L'Amour in a speech tinged with sadness.

Thirty-five years ago, a beginning unfolded when an idealistic dominee from a congregation in Mbombela—formerly Nelspruit—presented his first lecture to a theology class at the then University of the Orange Free State. Little did this young man know of the illustrious career awaiting him: advancing from lecturer to professor to department head to ultimately arrive at the position of Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. This journey now is reaching its dusk as Prof Fanie Snyman bid farewell to colleagues and friends during his valedictory lecture at the University of the Free State (UFS) on 29 November 2018.

Privileges of being an academic

In his last official lecture before retirement, Prof Snyman shared his thoughts on the privileges and responsibilities of being an academic. Academics are not only privileged to find their professional home at one of the oldest institutions in South Africa, but also at a place where the pursuit of knowledge is at the core of its existence. In this hive of heightened intellectual activity, scholars are able to challenge the boundaries of knowledge in their insatiable thirst for deeper understanding and greater wisdom.

In veritas sapientiae lux, reads the motto of the UFS. In truth is the light of wisdom. “When truth has been found,” Prof Snyman said, “it is like a light that brightens up a dark room.” What greater privilege, then, than to bring light to the world in this time in which we live? With this great privilege comes great responsibility, though. 

Responsibilities of being an academic

Academics carry a responsibility to both the university as an ancient institution, as well as the university as a particular place of work. Respect towards this responsibility is made visible through an impeccable work ethic that includes being prepared for lectures, prompt marking of tests and assignments, quality researching, publishing, and remaining specialists in their field. While academics need to be the guardians of standards and values on the one hand, they simultaneously need to guard against their own dogmatism on the other. Being open to new developments and viewpoints is crucial for nurturing new knowledge. 

Furthermore, universities cannot—and should not—be detached from society. This is why engaged scholarship is such a central responsibility of universities to answer to the needs of the particular society in which a university operates. Engaged scholarship is enhanced by offering relevant programmes, delivering qualified students, and conducting research aimed at the betterment of society.

Saying farewell

“Now,” Prof Snyman concluded, “the time has come to saddle my horse one last time, leave you behind, and take the road leading to the next horizon; I will disappear beyond the horizon and so I will fade into insignificance.”

However, listening to the words spoken not only publicly from the stage, but also flowing privately among conversations, it is evident that Prof Snyman’s professional and personal impact has left an indelible, yet kind, imprint on those he met.