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04 January 2021 | Story Igno van Niekerk | Photo Francois van Vuuren (iFlair)
Anton Roodt

 The Afrikaans words, weerlose meganika, can be roughly translated as ‘vulnerable mechanics’. If you do not know the exact meaning of this, rest assured, you are not alone. At least one person does. Anton Roodt of Roodt Architects has been summoning a storm of positive reviews in the literary world with his debut offering, which is neither an environmentally friendly building nor creative historical restoration for which he is renowned, but a book.

Weerlose meganika was written as part of the requirements for Roodt’s fourth MA degree – all obtained at the University of the Free State (UFS), where the Roodts have been part of the UFS family for three generations. Anton’s father was the Head of the department of Architecture, and his son recently completed his studies in the same department. His wife, Zarine, has been involved as lecturer and research fellow in the Department of Communication Science. Roodt’s wide spectrum of interests shows in the variety of his MA degrees (Architecture, Town and Regional Planning, Environmental Management, and now – Creative Writing).

Roodt, renowned for his creativity and innovative manner of working, has barely stepped into the world of literature; yet the book, published by Tafelberg Publishers, is being described in words probably never used by critics: “verrassend vernuwend” (surprisingly refreshing), “baldadig,” (which I can only translate as ‘wildly playful’), and nostalgic science fiction.

In a Zoom conversation, Roodt shared that he wrote mostly in his spare time. Many hours of study in the buzz of architecture classrooms taught him to focus anywhere and anytime. According to Roodt, the chapters that had to be removed in the final edits of Weerlose meganika comprise sufficient material for a second book. 

Anton and his son, Leon-Pierre, both worked on the cover of Weerlose meganika: Anton designed it and Leon-Pierre was responsible for the graphics. Although publishers usually prefer to appoint their own designers, Tafelberg liked and kept the design as presented. This was no surprise, as design is not new to Anton who, as a student, was involved in the design of rag posters. During a particular rag, he realised that the poster design was extremely successful, as about 90% of them were stolen by students from lampposts and other areas. 

Roodt’s recipe for success? He is naturally curious and wants to learn more about many things. This allows him to connect with interesting people such as his fellow students and lecturers (Dr Francois Smith and Prof Henning Pieterse) in the Creative Writing course, where they kept on pushing each other to improve their work. It is clear that Roodt is on a lifelong journey of learning. And, in case you are wondering – yes, he recently started his PhD studies. At the UFS, of course.

When I asked Anton about the strange title, Weerlose meganika, he explained that he has always been fascinated by juxtapositions. He loves bringing seemingly unrelated elements together. 

Looking at the reviews, he has been successful once again. 

*** If you are curious to know more, Weerlose meganika is available at most bookstores, as well as online.

News Archive

Former Kovsie named best teacher in the Western Cape
2011-11-14

 

Proud educators from left: Mrs Julia Ramabenyane, lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and Language Education; Prof. Dennis Francis; Roland Rudd; and Prof. Okkie Combrinck, Head of the School of Mathematics Natural Sciences and Technology Education.
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

Kovsie alumni are second to none. This was proven by Roland Rudd who was recently named Best Secondary School Educator in the Western Cape. Roland, a teacher at Wineberg Boys’ High School, completed his education studies at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2005.

Visiting the university's Bloemfontein Campus last week Roland was full of praise about the education he received at Kovsies. “I have made it known that my success is through the input and solid grounding the UFS offered me. I feel really indebted to the Faculty of Education and the university. I believe that this is the best education faculty and university in South Africa.”
 
Roland, who teaches Engineering Graphics and Design to Grade 10 -12 learners, met with former Faculty of Education lecturers during his visit. They all remembered a bright student who won best student awards every year. In his final year Roland won the award for best student in practical teaching. Prof. Dennis Francis, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said he was pleased that one of his faculties’ graduates was doing so well.
 
Roland will compete in January 2012 in the national best school educator competition.

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