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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.
Dr Dirk Strydom named 2015 Free State Agriculturist of the Year
2015-11-30
Dr Dirk Strydom, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State, was chosen as the 2015 Free State Agriculturist of the Year by the Agricultural Writers Central Region.
Photo: Sonia Small |
Dr Dirk Strydom, a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) at the University of the Free State (UFS), was presented with the title of 2015 Free State Agriculturist of the Year.
Dr Strydom, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, received the award on 23 October 2015 from the Agricultural Writers Central Region, the professional association promoting the image and standards of agricultural journalism in South Africa.
“A driven and ambitious young academic,” is how Dr Strydom is described.
According to the Agricultural Writers, Dr Strydom is blessed with the rare skill of bringing to his engagement with the agricultural community at large the same excitement and focus with which he approaches his students and his research.
“Strydom has perfected the art of disseminating complicated theory, and the intricacies of the South African Futures Exchange to the agricultural community.”
Dr Strydom epitomises the new generation of young scholars emerging from the PSP. This new breed of academic is very aware of the need to translate published scholarly discourse into practical usefulness for the broader public.
Hence Dr Strydom’s emphasis on the duty of the scholar to share vital innovation, intricate research, and its applications, not only with students but with the community at large.
The award is recognition for Dr Strydom’s work by the agricultural community.
He was also the recent recipient of an award from the Brahman breeders for his “outstanding scientific contribution” to their industry.