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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.
Interest in Latin gradually grows
2009-03-13
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The Faculty of the Humanities has recorded the highest number of second-year and third-year students who study Latin compared to the last two years. According to the newly appointed Head of the Department of Classical Languages, Prof Christoff Zietsman, interest in Latin from students is spread across a wide spectrum but primarily Law and Theology. “About ten years ago there was a process of change at all universities because of the economic situation then and, as a result, many departments amalgamated,” he said. “What happened at the University of the Free State (UFS) was that the Latin Department was incorporated into the English Department but from this year (2009) it is again an autonomous department now called the Department of Classical Languages. This is also a sign of the growth in popularity of Latin.” Prof Zietsman taught the Classics and Latin at the University of Stellenbosch for 31 years before he joined the UFS at the beginning of this year. Pictured are first-year Latin students with their lecturer, Dr Dirk Coetzee (back row, third from left).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe |