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26 January 2022
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Story Rulanzen Martin
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Photo University of the Western Cape
The late Prof Jaap Durand.
The management of the University of the Free State (UFS) is saddened to learn of the passing of Prof Jaap Durand, revered theological academic and author. Prof Durand obtained his master’s degree from the UFS and received an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from the UFS in 2004.
Prof Durand has had a colourful career as academic, writer, and struggle activist: from Professor of Systematic Theology and Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of the Western Cape to Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the same university. He also served as the ombudsman of Stellenbosch University from 2002 to 2003.
During his life, Prof Durand was a unifier and a critical voice, speaking out against injustice. He has also authored several books, including Dit is amper dag; Evolusie, wetenskap en geloof, and Protesstem.
The UFS joins the higher education community in mourning and is deeply saddened by the loss of such a great theologian and academic. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to Prof Durand’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time.
Kovsie bounces back from heart surgery and raises the bar
2017-07-10
Charissa Worthmann, a gymnast and postgraduate Biokinetics
student at the UFS, overcame heart surgery earlier this year
and excelled at her sport. Photo: Supplied
“Life is too short to abandon what sets you on fire. Find your passion, work hard at it and be great. You will never look back and wish otherwise.” These are the words that postgraduate student Charissa Worthmann lives by, and which have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a gymnast.
Humble beginnings
After undergoing heart surgery earlier this year, Charissa bounced back stronger than ever. She went on to win five regional gold medals at the Free State Gymnastics Championships in February 2017 and was also crowned Free State Victrix Ludorum. In October 2016 she won a gold medal for her apparatus routine at the South African GymnasticsChampionships.
Charissa, who is currently doing her honours in Biokinetics at the University of the Free State (UFS), said coming from a small town was not always an advantage. “I come from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal where there are not many opportunities. Therefore there was no gymnastics. I found my natural talent, but never had the opportunity to develop it before coming to the UFS.”
Inspired by lecturer
Charissa’s inspiration is Prof Liesl van As, Associate Professor from the Department of Zoology and Entomology. She is also completing her undergraduate Zoology modules to later complete her postgraduate studies in Zoology. “As a student, our lecturers don’t often realise it, but they shape us to aim higher in life.”
According to Charissa, Prof van As is a woman of pure brilliance who has aspects that every woman should aspire to: Beauty, intelligence and a drive to succeed. “I owe a vast majority of my success to her, because even though she may not realise it, her motivational attitude and success in life drove me to succeed in areas of my life.”