24 December 2025
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Story Vuyelwa Mbebe
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Photo Supplied
For the first time ever, both national theological societies, the Old Testament Society of Southern Africa and the New Testament Society of Southern Africa, are chaired by UFS academics. Pictured are Prof Lodewyk Sutton and Dr Nina Müller-Van Velden.
The Faculty of Theology and Religion is honouring a historic milestone regarding its relationships with two national theological societies: for the first time in history, both the Old Testament Society of Southern Africa (OTSSA) and the New Testament Society of Southern Africa (NTSSA) are being chaired by members of the UFS faculty.
Prof Lodewyk Sutton, Head of the Department of Old and New Testament Studies, is now the Chairperson of the OTSSA, and Dr Nina Müller-Van Velden, Lecturer in New Testament Studies, is the newly appointed Chairperson of the NTSSA. These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening the national and Pan-African profile of the UFS as a hub of theological excellence.
New era in New and Old Testament Societies
Prof Sutton says he is honoured and excited about his new role at the OTSSA, which was established in 1957. He hopes to expand the society’s continental collaboration and strengthen its role in connecting South African scholars to global conversations in Old Testament and Semitic Studies. “My hope is that our scholarship not only remains academically excellent but also meaningful to society, addressing questions of justice, reconciliation, and community building,” he said. He hopes to use his term to focus on growing inclusivity, fostering mentorship, and extending networks across Africa to ensure that Old Testament scholarship continues to evolve and thrive.
Dr Müller-Van Velden is the second and youngest woman to chair the NTSSA since its founding in 1965. The society provides a scholarly home for those dedicated to and inspired by New Testament research and teaching. She hopes that under her leadership the society will continue to champion mentorship, diversity, and interdisciplinary dialogue. “My goal is to foster a community known for its inviting attitude towards postgraduate students and emerging scholars and to introduce a more intentional mentorship system for junior colleagues,” she said. The society is known for promoting research excellence through its Postgraduate Affiliation of the NTSSA initiative and its Student Development Fund.
Advancing Vision 130 through innovative leadership
Both leaders believe that their roles align strongly with the UFS’ Vision 130 strategic intent, particularly in advancing academic excellence, visibility, and societal impact.
“It is inspiring to be part of a department where both societies are now chaired, a first in the faculty’s history,” Prof Sutton said. As both societies continue to grow under their leadership, the UFS stands at the forefront of theological scholarship that is globally engaged, locally relevant, and future-focused – a true reflection of innovation in academic leadership.
The NTSSA annual conference is set to be hosted at the university in 2026, bringing scholars from across Africa and abroad to Bloemfontein. Dr Müller-Van Velden says the conference will further elevate the university’s research profile.