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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.”
SRC interim member takes giant leaps – in high heels
2014-02-24
Photo: Jerry Mokoroane
Passion. Commitment. Drive. Enthusiasm. All these characteristics are embedded in Masabata Mokgesi, SRC interim member: Postgraduate Council of our Bloemfontein Campus. This lady has taken giant strides in both leadership and academic roles, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Mokgesi has completed her BA Honours degree with distinction. She is currently enrolled for a master’s in Media Translation, with the intent of attaining her PhD before tackling the work domain. Her excellent academic performance led to her being awarded the UFS Golden Key Scholarship Chapter Award last year.
Mokgesi is a master when it comes to time management, since she has to pay attention to several responsibilities simultaneously. As a leader, a research administration intern at the National Research Foundation and lecturer at the university, she has her hands full.
“I have always believed in myself and that there is still more one can achieve, hence, I never got comfortable in the lot I have achieved thus far,” says Mokgesi.
But wait, there is more! This remarkable young lady is also into fashion and modelling, having won Miss Mangaung Municipality and Miss ConLaur?s titles. “There is a perception that academics are in most cases dressed inappropriately, and I surely want to break that stigma. We can always look after our well-being,” she added with some laughter.