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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.”
Madelief Residence bursts into colour
2014-03-12
You’ll be forgiven for thinking that your eyes are deceiving you when turning into the main entrance to the Bloemfontein Campus. Yet, it is still the graceful old lady of a building called Madelief. This 50-year-old female residence has donned a sparkling new ‘dress’, brandishing a trendy new look.
After extensive renovations kicked off during October last year, the long-awaited revamp left residents and Kovsies astonished. The makeover transformed the building into a sparkling gem, glistening in the Free State sun. Luminescent contra-vision windows, a remodelled veranda and a new façade propel this residence into modernity. A unique twist to the use of the façade is that it is reflective during both the day and night. During the daytime, the light reflects towards the residence and during the night it mirrors the entrance of the university. This feature lends an innovative and vibrant impression to the residence’s appearance.
“I’m so happy for my residence. It’s now the hub of attraction – everyone wants to visit and come have a look. Thanks to our Residence Head, the constructors and designers who came up with this concept and Housing and Residence Affairs. We look 50 years younger indeed and more vibrant,” Mamnosi Tshabalala, a senior resident at Madelief, beamed.
In celebration of this new phase of their residence, students plunged into a festival of colour – power paint exploding into rainbows over anyone who came near. Top management that attended the celebration could not escape the excitement. Profs Jansen and Morgan, Dr Wahl, Mr Koetaan and Rudi Buys were swept into the good cheer, snapping photos and making fantastic memories.