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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.”

News Archive

UFS takes precautions against Swine Flu
2009-08-05

“No cases of the Human Swine Flu have been reported at the University of the Free State (UFS) so far,” says Sister Riana Johnson from Kovsie Health.

“The situation is monitored closely and we are taking the necessary precautions to deal with any possible cases,” she says.

“Staff and students should visit their nearest clinic, medical practitioner or an emergency room if they experience any of the symptoms. They can also contact Kovsie Health at 051 401 2603 on the Main Campus and 058 718 5210 on the Qwaqwa Campus during office hours,” says Sister Johnson.

The symptoms of Swine Flu resemble those of ordinary flu and it includes a fever above 38 degrees Celsius together with a sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, coughing, headaches, tiredness and joint pains. Some people also have diarrhoea and vomiting.

A confirmed case of Swine Flu is a person who has an acute respiratory infection and where Swine Flu A/H1N1 infection is confirmed by a laboratory. There is no vaccine available against Swine Flu at the moment. However, antiviral medication is available and will be prescribed if necessary.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
5 August 2009

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