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The end of democracy? Theological perspectives: UFS Theological Day

22 February 2024 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo LETHABO MACHABAPHALA

Theological Day 2024 — From left to right: Prof Lodewyk Sutton (Acting Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion), Prof John Klassen (Dean Designate), Prof Heinrich Bedford-Strohnm (Moderator at the World Council of Churches) and Prof Henco van der Westhuizen (Associate Professor at the Faculty of Theology and Religion) participated in the Theological Day event held at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

South African democracy, born from the crucible of struggle, stands as a beacon of hope on the African continent. Rising from the shadows of apartheid, it has evolved into a vibrant, pluralistic society with inclusive governance and constitutional protections. However, as the nation approaches its forthcoming elections and enters its fourth decade of democracy, persistent challenges such as inequality, corruption, and unemployment continue to test the resilience of the citizens.

On 12 February 2024, the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State hosted an event themed “The end of democracy? theological perspectives” on the Bloemfontein Campus, commemorating Theological Day with intellectual discussions and celebrations.

Associate Professor Prof Henco van der Westhuizen, from the Department of Historical and Constructive Theology, introduced the keynote speaker, Prof Heinrich Bedford-Strohnm, leader of the World Council of Churches, who shared insightful thoughts during the event.

Prof Heinrich Bedford-Strohnm articulated, "Dignity might be mere words, but it carries profound meaning. We must question whether the principles inscribed in the South African Constitution are genuinely upheld. Democracy, according to the Bible, is about treating everyone equally, showing respect, and fostering understanding. It transcends mere power; it entails using power to safeguard the weak and more vulnerable, mirroring the ideals of the South African Constitution."

Addressing the impact of digitalisation on society, he noted that while it unites the world, it also poses challenges for democracy. Despite its potential to enhance participation, transparency, and accountability, the digital landscape, saturated with social media platforms, inadvertently fuels the commercial realm. Countless hours are spent disseminating unverified information, and fake news, and fostering hatred to benefit algorithms and the commercial sphere.

While the South African Constitution grants the right to freedom of expression, Prof Heinrich Bedford-Strohnm advised churches to carefully navigate their involvement in political issues. “It's crucial to be mindful of the context, manner, and openness of communication for effective public discourse. While supporting political views is acceptable, active participation should be avoided.”

News Archive

Prof. Jansen is a "charmer", say students

2010-09-14

Prof. Jansen with Transport personnel.

Prof. Jansen with a B.Ed. student, Nokubonga Mdlalose.

Prof Jansen with Mr Samuel Mensah.

Prof Jansen with Sibusiso Macu, Sindiswa Masango, Mbali Phakathi and Masebabatso Mofokeng.

Prof. Jansen with Ms Mtombeni (in a white coat )

CHARMING, DOWN TO EARTH, STREEWISE … these are some of the words staff and students on the Qwaqwa Campus used to describe our Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen during his recent courtesy visit to the campus.

Prof. Jansen easily mingled and joined in conversations like a person who was acquainted to the groups of friends that he spoke to. Topics ranged from “girlfriends and boyfriends, how easy or difficult that course was, this and that party”, and of course serious academic talk.

“Prof. Jansen jokingly asked me about my white coat and whether I was a medical doctor. And when I answered that I am a cleaners’ supervisor, he became more interested in what I had to tell him,’ said Ms Dineo Mtombeni, a Maintenance Services supervisor.

“He continued to praise me and my colleagues for the cleanliness on campus and I must say he showed that he is a caring person, despite his position,” concluded Ms Mtombeni.

“I was happy to see Prof. Jansen chatting informally with students and staff. I asked him what he thought of our campus and he said he would know it better once he started teaching here once or twice a week,” said Mr Samuel Mensah, Economics lecturer.

“I then invited him to present some Economics classes and he roared with laughter about the difficulty of dealing with our micro and macro aspects of the subject and I asked him to keep it down as that would justify my students’ fear of the subject,” laughed Mr Mensah.

“He is a nice and friendly person,” said a 19-year-old Bachelor of Commerce student Masebabatso Mofokeng.

“We shared a joke or two with him and it was one of our best experiences here on campus,” added friends, Sindiswa Masango (19) and Mbali Phakathi (19), who are also studying for their Bachelor of Commerce degrees.

A Bachelor of Education student, Nokubonga Mdlalose (20) described Prof. Jansen as a ‘charmer’.

“He is generous with his time, despite the high position that he occupies. He is approachable, friendly, charming, cool, calm and collected,” said Nokubonga.

“He asked me about my studies and I told him I wanted to make a difference in as far as teaching science is concerned. He was very interested in my Biology experiments and I am so glad I met him,” concluded Nokubonga.

– Thabo Kessah

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