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UFS extends its condolences on the passing of Theological giant, Prof Jaap Durand

26 January 2022 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo University of the Western Cape

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.

News Archive

Student from Atlanta, USA joins TIA/UFS Metagenomics Platform group

2012-09-11

Kanesha Gillyard from the USA .
11 September 2012

The university and the Spelman College in Atlanta, USA had a joint research venture that ran from June to August 2012. We had the honour of hosting one of the students from Spelman in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Kanesha Gillyard joined the group from the TIA/UFS Metagenomics Platform in the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology.

This was the first time that Kanesha had left Atlanta. This is what she had to say about her trip to Africa:

“I was met with a bright smile and open arms on my first day. The university staff and overall student body have embraced me. Furthermore, the Biotechnology Department has made me feel like I am family. Every day I was given the opportunity to work with a group of people dedicated to their goals, persistent regarding their purpose and fluent in speaking the many dialects of this universal language.

My first week here at the university was like walking into a whole new world.

I have learned many valuable lessons after experiencing life in South Africa for the past two and half months. From adjusting to a new environment and broadening my horizons to becoming trilingual in English, Afrikaans and the new universal language of virtue, I have grown tremendously. Being a “Kovsie” for two months and obtaining an invaluable wealth of knowledge has left me with the confidence of a winner, passion of a dreamer and heart of a nurturer. In essence, this experience has taught me the scientific method to repeat in order to reach for infinity and beyond.”

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