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Trailblazing win: UFS wins its first-ever Andrew Murray Prize

31 January 2024 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo ANJA AUCAMP

In a historic triumph that reverberates over four decades since its inception, the UFS has clinched the coveted Andrew Murray Prize – now renamed the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize – for the first time. Standing shoulder to shoulder with institutions such as the University of Pretoria (UP) and Stellenbosch University (SU), this achievement marks a significant milestone in the UFS’ journey.

At the heart of this accomplishment lies the profound contribution of Dr Martin Laubscher, distinguished Senior Lecturer specialising in Practical and Missional Theology in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. Dr Laubscher’s dedication and scholarly prowess culminated in the groundbreaking work titled Publieke teologie as profetiese teologie? (Public theology as prophetic theology), a revised edition of his doctoral thesis, which was originally crafted at Stellenbosch University in 2020, with a focus on the eminent Karl Barth.

Dr Laubscher received the Andrew Murray Prize for Theological Books in Afrikaans for his research and insightful analysis. The journey started when he realised, under the guidance of his study leader, Prof Dion Forster, that his script had the potential to be published in Afrikaans. Sun Media’s interest in publishing this work in Afrikaans, led to it being the first-ever published thesis in Afrikaans. Dr Laubscher recalls, “I was grateful and excited about Sun Media’s interest. The book emerged within a year, and during a celebratory launch Prof Forster suggested I submit it for the Andrew Murray Prize.”

Earlier this year, Dr Laubscher was excited to learn that he was being shortlisted for the prestigious award. Reflecting on the significant moment, he shares, “The elation I felt upon receiving the news was unparalleled. I was not only celebrating a personal triumph, but also etching my name as the first laureate from our faculty to secure this prestigious accolade.”

News Archive

Fun and camaraderie key to Vishuis rugby success

2017-09-27

The forwards of Vishuis laid a strong foundation in
the K1 rugby final against Kagiso. This helped them
to secure a win of 38-16.
Photo: Marelize van Niekerk

They have not only been dominating the residence rugby scene at the University of the Free State over the past few years, but also nationally. Although they might experience added pressure as favourites, a key ingredient to Vishuis’ success story is their enjoyment of the game and their camaraderie.

According to Henco Posthumus, the Vishuis captain, they realise that it still remains residence rugby. “The guys pitch up at practice because they want to play, not because somebody begged them to.”

Comfortable triumph in final

Vishuis claimed their fifth Varsity Cup Koshuis title earlier this year, and will defend their national title after being crowned Kovsie residence champions on 8 September 2017. They beat Kagiso comfortably 38-16 in the K1 final, after leading by 31-9 at half-time.

Posthumus says the fun element is often forgotten, but not at Vishuis. He says it is not just about the first team either. “Almost every house member, no matter if he studies medicine or if he hasn’t played rugby before, is playing a bit of rugby on a Friday evening. That is also why we, as a fairly small residence, can field five teams.”

More than just a game

Although their proud record serves as motivation, it is about more than just rugby. “The guys grow together in different ways. It is an honour to see how they grow during a season, also spiritually.”

They have been lucky not to suffer many serious injuries over a number of seasons, Posthumus says. “We are privileged to have 110 years of history behind our residence, and people from within and outside buy into who we are.”

“Our (new) coach, Zane Botha, is also a valuable acquisition. He has taken our rugby to the next level.”

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