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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.
Tree of knowledge refurbished
2017-01-01
The ‘tree of knowledge’ sculpture, created by Strijdom van der Merwe, has been situated outside the Winkie Direko building since 2009. In May 2017, it underwent much-needed refurbishment to restore it to its former glory.
The original paint was stripped down to bare metal and a new shiny coat of red paint was applied. Renowned metal and woodwork restorer, Waldo Human, was called in to repair this beautiful sculpture.
The tree of knowledge was originally installed on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State as part of the Lotto Sculpture-on-Campus Project.