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Trailblazing win: UFS wins its first-ever Andrew Murray Prize

31 January 2024 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo ANJA AUCAMP

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

When hockey becomes a part of you

2014-06-25

Izelle Lategan, a fourth-year BSocSci (Human Movement Sciences) student at our university, continues to fly the Kovsies’ flag high on national level.

In December 2010, Izelle made her debut for SA hockey against Argentina. Among her greatest achievements wearing our country’s colours, are:

she scored a hat trick against India in Ireland in 2012 (SA won that game 3-2), and
she was captain of the Junior World Cup U/21 team in Germany this year.

“Representing the country amounts to a lot of pressure. I managed to get through by working hard and putting in extra training hours in order to achieve all these,” she says. “When you have a setback, don’t step back, but rather make a comeback!”

She appreciates the support she receives from her family, friends and coach – especially when on international tours. “Even though they can’t make it to all my games, they try hard to show their support when they can,” she added.

Izelle’s focus is now on representing Kovsies at the South African Student Sports Union (SASSU) games in Pretoria from 30 June – 4 July 2014. She is currently resting from national duty, since she wants to complete her undergraduate studies this year, but aims to return next year.

Her long-term goal is to play at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

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