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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.”

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Centre for Financial Planning Law and INSETA making a difference
2014-07-16

The Centre for Financial Planning Law (CFPL) in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) has established a hugely-beneficial collaboration. Due to this partnership, students at CFPL has access to bursaries of R950 000. These bursaries are available to students studying towards a undergraduate BIuris degree, a postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning, or an advanced postgraduate diploma in Financial Planning.

The CFPL handles the recruitment and selection process for the bursary fund, which will cover up to R68 040.95 for tuition, accommodation and book fees. In addition, the bursaries also cover other fees such as equipment and registration.

According to Shirly Hyland, Director of the Centre for Financial Planning Law, the centre recognises the financial strain some students undergo. The bursaries will therefor enable many of these students – who considered discontinuing their studies because of financial constraints – to continue studying, making a tremendous difference in their lives.

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