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31 January 2024 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo ANJA AUCAMP
Dr Martin Laubscher
Dr Martin Laubscher’s thesis, crowned with the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize, is testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.

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.”

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ABSA L'Atelier finalists announced at the UFS
2009-03-18

 
 The 24th Annual ABSA L'Atelier Art Awards winners of the central region were recently announced at the Johannes Stegman Gallery at the University of the Free State (UFS). Tax-C, an earthenware sculpture by Helena de Waal, ceramic lecturer at Motheo College in Bloemfontein, was selected as the best artwork for the central region. Other winning artworks were Memorial of Memories by Pauline Gertruida Gutter, The Disciple by Itumeleng Benette Moloto and Possession Walkway Interior by Marguerite Elizabeth Visser. The ABSA L'Atelier Art Awards Competition is South Africas most prestigious art competition. The competition is held annually for artists between the ages of 21 and 35 and it aims to recognise South Africa's young and upcoming artists and to afford them the opportunity to develop their skills abroad. Eleven prizes are awarded and the overall winner receives R100 000 in total from ABSA as well as a return air ticket to Paris, France. Pictured is Ms Helena de Waal with the winning artwork, Tax-C.
Photo: Emmie van Wyk

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