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31 January 2024
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Story EDZANI NEPHALELA
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Photo ANJA AUCAMP
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.”
Discussion forum held for the establishment of an Institute for Diversity
2009-09-15
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A discussion forum for the establishment of an Institute for Diversity was recently held on the Main Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS). According to Rev. Kiepie Jaftha, Chief Director: Community Service, the forum discussed issues such as the proposed niche areas and recommendations for the development of these niche areas, as well as the institutional placement and functioning of the institute. Attending the discussion forum were, from the left, front: Mr Willem Ellis, International Institute for Development Ethics (IIDE); Dr Andries Odendaal , consultant; Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS; Prof. Melissa Steyn, University of Cape Town; Mr John Samuel, consultant; Prof. Mokubung Nkomo, University of Pretoria; Rev. Jaftha; and Prof. Anwar Osman, Centre for African Studies at the UFS; back: Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations; Prof. Neil Roos, University of Pretoria; and Prof. Piet Erasmus, Department of Anthropology at the UFS.
Photo: Dalene Harris |